A new promotional video for the iconic Brazilian flip-flop brand, Havaianas, has ignited a major political firestorm, leading to calls for a boycott from prominent right-wing figures.
Political Storm Over a Flip-Flop Ad
The controversy erupted from a video posted on the brand's social media accounts featuring prominent actress Fernanda Torres. In the clip, Torres, a known supporter of the Brazilian left, urges the public "not to start 2026 on the right foot," but instead "on both feet." This message, seen as a direct political jab ahead of the country's October 2026 general elections, has sparked intense outrage in conservative circles.
Right-Wing Backlash and Boycott Calls
The reaction from the right was swift and severe. Eduardo Bolsonaro, a son of the far-right former president Jair Bolsonaro, posted a video on Instagram on Sunday showing him throwing a pair of the distinctive Brazilian flag-strap Havaianas into the trash. The former lawmaker, now based in the US, stated the brand was once a national symbol but he could no longer support it.
Other conservative voices quickly joined the fray:
- Conservative congressman Rodrigo Valadares declared on X: "Havaianas has chosen its side. The RIGHT has opted for a boycott."
- Right-wing influencer Thiago Asmar, with over two million Instagram followers, posted: "My feet are burning on the asphalt, but Havaianas, never again."
Economic Stakes and Political Divides
The boycott calls carry significant economic weight. Havaianas, owned by the Alpargatas group, is a global sandal giant. The company employs 10,000 people and sold a staggering 226.6 million pairs of flip-flops in 2024, mostly within Brazil. Left-wing congresswoman Duda Salabert condemned the right's actions as "idiotic attacks," warning that the boycott threatens jobs in Minas Gerais, where one of the brand's factories is located.
The ad's actress, Fernanda Torres, recently won a Golden Globe for her role in "I'm Still Here," a film about Brazil's military dictatorship—a period some Bolsonaro supporters view nostalgically. The incident highlights the deep political polarization in Brazil as it approaches the 2026 vote, where leftist President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva plans to run for a fourth term. The Havaianas company has not yet responded to requests for comment on the escalating boycott campaign.
