A video of Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau attending a Taylor Swift concert amid the ongoing violence in Montreal has sparked massive outrage on social media. Trudeau, who represents the Papineau district in Montreal, reportedly attended Taylor Swift’s Erasure Tour concert in Toronto with his family on Friday.
A viral video posted on X (formerly Twitter) shows the politician dancing and singing in the audience. In another video he can be seen distributing friendship bracelets among the people.
However, this did not go down well with Internet users because the timing of his concert participation coincided with the Montreal violence.
“Trudeau at Taylor Swift concert while Montreal burns,” one user wrote.
Trudeau at Taylor Swift concert while Montreal burns.pic.twitter.com/biFD1CEva0
– Defiant World (@DefiantWorld) 23 November 2024
Another said, “Justin Trudeau was exchanging friendship bracelets at the Taylor Swift concert last night — when we all found out Montreal was burning.”
Justin Trudeau exchanging friendship bracelets at the Taylor Swift concert last night? – When we all found out Montreal was burning. pic.twitter.com/vSMXSgFKs4
– Dahlia Kurtz ✡︎ دلیح کورتس (@DahliaKurtz) 23 November 2024
Some also drew parallels between Trudeau and the Roman emperor Nero – known for his cruelty and debauchery.
One user said, “According to ancient tradition, while Rome was burning, the fallen Emperor Nero came on stage and read poetry. Here’s Trudeau today after doubling the debt to $1.2 trillion and creating a housing crisis by opening Canada’s borders.” “Dancing at the Taylor Swift concert at night.”
However, the Internet also appeared divided as some people came out in support of Trudeau.
One user said, “Yeah, looks like he’s being a goofy dad with his daughter at a concert. Nothing wrong going on here. And I don’t like that guy one bit.”
The streets of Montreal descended into violent chaos as anti-Israel protests intensified on November 22 – just as the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) was holding its parliamentary assembly in the Quebec metropolis. The protesters were denouncing the Trans-Atlantic Alliance.
Tension escalated further when protesters burned an effigy of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on the streets. The protesters, about 800 in number, set vehicles on fire, broke windows of nearby shops and released smoke bombs, news agency AFP reported. Following this, the police had to use chemical irritants and batons to disperse the crowd.
Montreal police have reportedly arrested three people so far.
On Saturday, Justin Trudeau condemned the violence in Montreal, saying “there must be consequences and the rioters must be held accountable”.
“What we saw on the streets of Montreal last night was horrifying. Wherever we see acts of anti-Semitism, intimidation and violence, they must be condemned. The RCMP is in communication with local police. There must be consequences, And the rioters will be held accountable.” he wrote in a post on X.
