All the Justin Trudeau Controversies You've Conveniently Forgotten
Just adding a little balance to your obsession.
Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada/our hearts, is, arguably, a perfect man. He fights to protect abortion access. He subtweets Donald Trump. His butt is the subject of viral memes. And let's not forget about the fact that he once explained quantum computing to us. Also, this GIF:
It's hard to find a blemish on the flawless canvas that is Trudeau, but he's not without his missteps. There's all kinds of drama lurking underneath the surface of that handsome exterior. You know, if you consider smoking pot and vacationing with the Aga Khan dramatic.
Here, a look at your boyfriend's slightly less stellar moments.
He's Down with Oil Pipelines
Despite concern from environmental and indigenous leaders across Canada, Trudeau greenlit two controversial oil pipelines. Canadians held vigils and protests in response to the decision, raising concerns about what an oil spill might do to the environment, as well as what this means for Indigenous land rights.
He "Manhandled" Parliament Members
Back in May 2016, Trudeau was so excited to get things started in the House of Commons that he ended up elbowing (or as the media put it, "manhandling") a parliament member.
The Prime Minister has been accused of "manhandling" a MP in the House of Commons. https://t.co/qrU0zYH9LZ #cdnpolihttps://t.co/qwaDHQPAK8May 19, 2016
The poor guy was yelled at publicly as a result, bless his heart.
"What kind of man elbows a woman? It's pathetic! You're pathetic!" Mulcair to Trudeau https://t.co/eTkceO1fI3May 18, 2016
Because he is #perfect (read: privileged and educated), Trudeau is fluent in both French and English—both of which are spoken regularly in Canada. But he stirred up drama during a town hall meeting when a refugee from Afghanistan asked him a question in English and he responded in French. He actually did this more than once, explaining "We are in Quebec, so I will answer in French." Trudeau was accused of not understanding the importance of "official bilingualism," and eventually had to apologize.
Stay In The Know
Get exclusive access to fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more.
Because even woke baes need time off, Trudeau took his family to the Aga Khan's private island in the Bahamas. No bigs, right? Wrong. An investigation was opened to see if Trudeau broke ethics laws by staying on the island and using the Aga Khan's private helicopter to get there—after all, The Conflict of Interest Act bars sponsored travel in private aircraft, and prohibits ministers from accepting gifts that might influence government decisions. Trudeau's thoughts and feels on the topic? "The fact is I've been fortunate to know the spiritual leader of the Ismaili Muslims, the Aga Khan, for all my life and I was glad to see him on vacation. Of course, I'm open and welcoming of any questions and concerns people have because people's trust in government and in those who serve them is really important to me."
It's hardly shocking that Trudeau has smoked pot (you do you, buddy), but he admitted to doing so while being a member of parliament. "We had a few good friends over for a dinner party, our kids were at their grandmother's for the night, and one of our friends lit a joint and passed it around. I had a puff," Trudeau told The Huffington Post in 2013. Unsurprisingly, people weren't thrilled, and Justice Minister Peter MacKay said "By flouting the laws of Canada while holding elected office, he shows he is a poor example for all Canadians, particularly young ones." ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
When Cuban president (read: dictator) Fidel Castro died, Trudeau gave an extremely controversial speech, musing that "Fidel Castro was a larger than life leader who served his people for almost half a century." He went on to say Castro was "a legendary revolutionary and orator" whose passing brought him "deep sorrow." Naturally, the internet was quick to mock him.
.@JustinTrudeau Praising Fidel Castro as a "remarkable leader" is REPUGNANT. https://t.co/hyKYMuCoFn #polcan pic.twitter.com/PL1amrsewWNovember 26, 2016
Mr. Stalin will be fondly remembered for increasing tourism to the otherwise unwelcoming Siberia. #TrudeauEulogiesNovember 26, 2016
#trudeaueulogies “Today we say goodbye to Mr. Mussolini, the former Italian prime minister best known for his competent train-management.”November 26, 2016
But don't be sad. There's always this:
A post shared by Phoebe Robinson (@dopequeenpheebs)
A photo posted by on
Follow Marie Claire on Facebook for the latest celeb news, beauty tips, fascinating reads, livestream video, and more.
Mehera Bonner is a celebrity and entertainment news writer who enjoys Bravo and Antiques Roadshow with equal enthusiasm. She was previously entertainment editor at Marie Claire and has covered pop culture for over a decade.
-
Give Selena Gomez's 'Emilia Pérez' Coat the Oscar Already
The symbolic costuming choice is also my winter wardrobe inspiration.
By Halie LeSavage Published
-
The True Story of Dolours and Marian Price Is Just As Harrowing As It Seems in 'Say Nothing'
The new FX series is set in Ireland during The Troubles.
By Quinci LeGardye Published
-
Why Did Drunk Elephant Recall Three of Its Best-Selling Skincare Products?
Here's how to know if yours were compromised.
By Hanna Lustig Published
-
Hailey Bieber Shares Her First Photo of Baby Son Jack Blues Since Giving Birth—See the Sweet Shot
So freaking cute.
By Quinci LeGardye Published
-
Actors Who Are Nothing Like Their Most Iconic Characters
Talk about awards-worthy, transformative performances.
By Katherine J. Igoe Published
-
The Question on Everyone's Lips: Did Beyoncé Skip the 2024 MTV VMAs?
It's been a few years since she last graced the carpet with her presence.
By Kelsey Stiegman Published
-
Why Isn't Selena Gomez at the 2024 VMAs?
Her absence became even more noticeable after her bestie Taylor Swift showed up.
By Hanna Lustig Published
-
Jennifer Lopez Thought Ben Affleck Was a "Changed Man" But Being Married to Him Was "Impossible"
"Friends think he is selfish, sullen, impossible to please most of the time and negative."
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Sarah Hyland and Adam Devine Play 'How Well Do You Know Your Co-Star?'
The 'Modern Family' stars reunited for the 'Pitch Perfect' spinoff series.
By Brooke Knappenberger Published
-
The 78 Best Celebrity Couple Halloween Costumes of All Time
Honestly, we're impressed.
By Charlotte Chilton Published
-
Super Rare Photos of Queen Elizabeth as a Young Woman
From childhood snapshots to portraits as a young princess, beautiful and rare photos of the late Queen Elizabeth as a young woman.
By Mehera Bonner Published