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Called 'Traitor' for Attending US Match Instead of His Own Country's: 'Need to Be a Supportive Boyfriend'
๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท Turkey /Culture & Society

Called 'Traitor' for Attending US Match Instead of His Own Country's: 'Need to Be a Supportive Boyfriend'

From Cumhuriyet · () Turkish

Translated from Turkish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • Former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau faced severe criticism for attending a US soccer match instead of Canada's.
  • Social media users called him a 'traitor' and accused him of disrespecting his country.
  • Trudeau defended his absence, citing his role as a supportive boyfriend to Katy Perry, who was performing in the US.

Former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has ignited a firestorm of criticism at home for choosing to attend a U.S. soccer match over supporting his own country's team during a significant World Cup qualifying game.

While Canada played Bosnia and Herzegovina in Toronto, Trudeau was reportedly in Los Angeles watching the United States defeat Paraguay. This decision sparked outrage on social media, with many Canadians labeling the former leader a "traitor" and accusing him of disrespecting the nation. One Toronto-based social media user expressed anger, calling the act "a slap in the face of our country."

Sometimes you have to fulfill the responsibilities of being a supportive boyfriend. But you all know who I want to win the cup anyway.

โ€” Justin TrudeauFormer Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau explained his absence from a Canadian soccer match on social media.

Trudeau, 54, addressed the backlash on his official X account, explaining that he was fulfilling his responsibilities as a "supportive boyfriend" to his partner, Katy Perry, who had a performance scheduled in the U.S. He added, "But you all know who I want to win the cup anyway," concluding his message with a Canadian flag emoji.

The incident has highlighted a stark contrast between public expectations of national leadership and Trudeau's personal choices, leading to sharp condemnations from many citizens who felt he prioritized personal relationships over national representation.

A slap in the face of our country. 'Unbecoming' is too mild a word.

โ€” Social media userA social media user from Toronto expressed anger over Trudeau's decision.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Cumhuriyet in Turkish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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