Overview
- A holiday Havaianas spot with Fernanda Torres urging Brazilians to start 2026 “with both feet” was recast by conservative figures as a political dig, prompting boycott calls and viral disposal videos.
- Eduardo Bolsonaro, Nikolas Ferreira and Bia Kicis amplified the protest on social media, with Bolsonaro posting himself throwing the sandals in the trash.
- International coverage from the New York Times, the Guardian, Le Monde and El País framed the dispute as a high-profile example of Brazil’s polarized consumer politics.
- Health Minister Alexandre Padilha referenced both Havaianas and rival Ipanema to promote the SUS, saying the public health system is open to all.
- Fábio Porchat recorded a satirical clip at Brazil’s diplomatic residence in Rome without the ambassador’s prior consent, and market reports said Alpargatas shares fell before rebounding as coverage revisited rivals’ ownership and documented donations to Jair Bolsonaro.