"Just weeks after Justin Bieber's well-received Coachella headline gig, the singer played a small private event for tech, entertainment and defense industry moguls. Executives at controversial firms, such as surveillance tech giant Palantir, were also on the bill. Bieber was a headliner at WNDR, entertainment executive Jeffrey Katzenberg's invitation-only confab at the Rosewood Miramar in Montecito last week. The programming for the event was first reported by Puck."
"The ultra A-list talks and guests included director James Cameron and former Disney CEO Bob Iger, YouTube CEO Neal Mohan, FIFA President Gianni Infantino, Oprah Winfrey and Julia Roberts, comedians Chris Rock and Trevor Noah and artist Jeff Koons on a panel discussion with LACMA chief Michael Govan. Bieber, meanwhile, performed a Wednesday poolside set for attendees at the Rosewood. The "Swag" singer reportedly became the highest-paid headliner in Coachella history last month, and its most lucrative merch seller."
"While there was lighter programming (like a karaoke party with pop producers StarGate and a talk about snacks with chef Nancy Silverton), the bill included talks and cameos from major weapons and surveillance technology firms noted for their support for - or deep engagement with - the Trump administration. One panel featured Anduril Industries' Palmer Luckey, who recently welcomed Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to its Southern California headquarters. "We are rebuilding the Arsenal of Freedom," Hegseth said after the Anduril visit."
"Palantir Chief Executive Alex Karp led another talk. Palantir's AI-driven defense and surveillance software has faced scrutiny around how tech like its Maven Smart System may have been used to target civilians in the Iran war. Karp also published a recent book, "The Technological Republic," where he wrote"
Justin Bieber performed a poolside set at an invitation-only gathering in Montecito hosted by entertainment executive Jeffrey Katzenberg. The event brought together high-profile leaders from media, technology, sports, and entertainment, including James Cameron, Bob Iger, Neal Mohan, Gianni Infantino, Oprah Winfrey, Julia Roberts, Chris Rock, Trevor Noah, and Jeff Koons. Programming included lighter activities such as karaoke and a talk about snacks, alongside panels featuring leaders from weapons and surveillance technology firms. Anduril Industries’ Palmer Luckey appeared after Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth visited Anduril’s Southern California headquarters. Palantir CEO Alex Karp also spoke, with Palantir’s defense and surveillance software facing scrutiny over alleged civilian targeting in the Iran war. Bieber had recently been a Coachella headliner and became the highest-paid headliner there, with strong merch sales.
#justin-bieber #coachella #private-events #defense-and-surveillance-technology #palantir-and-anduril
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