Over the weekend, outrage was expressed over a video showing Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau dancing at a Taylor Swift performance in Montreal amid a disruptive protest.
According to The Daily Mail, Trudeau, who represents a constituency in Montreal, was present at the Taylor Swift event in Toronto on Friday night.
The Canadian politician may be seen in a video that has gone popular on X dancing and singing along to the song "You Don't Own Me" before Swift takes the stage.
Approximately 330 miles west of the Montreal area that Trudeau represents lies the city of Toronto, located approximately 280 miles west of Ottawa, the capital of Canada.
During the same evening, protesters who were opposed to NATO detonated smoke bombs and marched through the streets of Montreal while carrying Palestinian flags.
Reports stated that the rioters set fire to vehicles and engaged in violent confrontations with law enforcement.
In addition, protesters hurled metal objects and tiny explosive devices at law enforcement police. The gang was responsible for the burning of an effigy of Benjamin Netanyahu, the Prime Minister of Israel, at one time.
The photograph of Trudeau dancing amid demonstrations in his hometown caused an online uproar. Some on social media have even drawn parallels between Trudeau and Nero, the notorious Roman emperor infamous for "fiddling while Rome burned."
Don Stewart, a Member of Parliament (MP) representing a portion of Toronto, called out the prime minister in a post published on X.
“Lawless protesters run roughshod over Montreal in violent protest. The Prime Minister dances,” Stewart wrote. “This is the Canada built by the Liberal government.”
“Bring back law and order, safe streets and communities in the Canada we once knew and loved,” the MP continued.
On Saturday, Trudeau condemned the demonstrations and called them "appalling," as reported by the New York Post.
“What we saw on the streets of Montreal last night was appalling,” the Canadian leader expressed. “Acts of antisemitism, intimidation, and violence must be condemned wherever we see them.”
Both the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and the local police are now in touch. He added that the rioters must be held accountable and that there must be repercussions for their actions.
Trudeau's actions ignited a fervent discourse on social media. Some advocated for his entitlement to personal time, while others condemned him for his seeming insensitivity.
“Dancing while Montreal burns? Trudeau has lost touch with Canadians. Shameful display of leadership," an X user wrote. “Everyone deserves a break, even the PM. Leave Trudeau alone! #ErasTourToronto" another netizen said.
“Nero fiddled, Trudeau danced. Same energy, different century. Canadians deserve better," a third X user stated. “Let the man enjoy Taylor Swift. Protests are happening regardless of where he is," another source shared.
“Montreal needed a leader last night. Trudeau chose Taylor Swift instead," a fifth netizen said. “Protests are not Trudeau’s fault, but the optics of this are truly awful," another X user penned.
Business Times has reached out to Taylor Swift and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau for comments.
