Justin Trudeau facing criticism over video of Queen tribute
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is among the many current and former heads of state in London to attend the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II.
But it's not all sorrow and mourning across the pond, as a video has emerged appearing to show the PM belting out a spirited rendition of Queen's Bohemian Rhapsody.
It was a touching memorial to the Queen, or at least the band Queen, with Trudeau crooning over a piano in the lobby of London's exclusive Corinthia Hotel (where rooms cost a hefty $2,350 per night for the period of the Queen's funeral), dressed informally in a maroon t-shirt as onlookers record and sip on glasses of wine.
Last night at the Savoy. Our PM in the UK representing Canada for the Queen’s funeral. 🤦🏻♀️
— Lisa Power (@LisaPow33260238) September 19, 2022
How do you say you were a drama teacher without saying you were a drama teacher. pic.twitter.com/kfRlve7pmV
The video — showing the PM performing with recording artist and Order of Canada recipient Gregory Charles — has been blowing up on social media, in part thanks to the clever caption, "How do you say you were a drama teacher without saying you were a drama teacher."
For those who think this is not legit! The Piano man is Gregory Charles pic.twitter.com/vK6uKJgBQW
— 🏴☠️AlphaULTRAMAGA🏴☠️ (@AlphaMAGA1976) September 19, 2022
Many allege that the video was recorded several months earlier, when Trudeau was in London to mark the Queen's Platinum Jubilee, though the pianist in the clip is indeed part of the PM’s current entourage for the funeral trip.
Twitter's very vocal right-wing contingent has jumped all over the video, with many complaining that the joyous rendition — reportedly delivered on the eve of the queen's funeral — was a disrespectful move by Trudeau.
I don't think the Brits are going to appreciate Trudeau partying on the eve of their beloved queen's funeral. What a disgrace.
— @JoWalsh (@JoWalsh03748900) September 19, 2022
It's only a 14-second clip of JT enjoying himself, but somehow it has quickly become one of the most polarizing topics in Canadian politics.
This is going to be one of those things that you think is great if you like him... and for those who are angry, they would be totally ok with it if it was their preferred politician.
— Paul Oleniuk 🇨🇦🇺🇦 (@PaulOleniuk) September 19, 2022
A few commenters have suggested that Trudeau appears intoxicated in the video, evoking the same style of speculative partisan moral panic seen in Finland weeks earlier when that country's Prime Minister, Sanna Marin, was recorded innocently enjoying herself with friends — gasp.
He gets hammered the night before the funeral. Nice.
— Groovy Styles (@StylesKe) September 19, 2022
Trudeau has since issued a statement confirming the video's events.
Here’s a statement attributable to spoks of the PM:
— Joe Warmington (@joe_warmington) September 19, 2022
After dinner on Saturday, Prime Minister joined a small gathering with members of the Canadian delegation, who have come together to pay tribute to the life and service of Her Majesty. Gregory Charles, a renowned musician from
Following the Queen's funeral, the Prime Minister is scheduled to depart London bound for New York City.
Lisa Power
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