Thursday, May 16

UK PM Rishi Sunak Criticised For ‘Ruining’ Adidas Samba; Issues Apology

Edited by Aishwarya Krishnan
UK PM Rishi Sunak Criticised For ‘Ruining’ Adidas Samba; Issues Apology (image-X/RishiSunak)

During a Downing Street interview, Rishi Sunak was seen sporting a white shirt, navy chinos, and black socks. However, thefootwear he chose to wear ended up creating headlines. Paired with the Adidas Samba trainers, the Prime Minister of the UK was accused of ruining the credibility of the shoes in a bid to appear, as netizens describe, “relatable.”

In an interview aimed at discussing the latest tax and childcare policies by his Conservative government, the footwear choice of Sunak sparked an online discourse, with many claiming the PM had now ruined the cool sneakers.

While speaking on LBC Radio, Sunak issued an apology to the Samba community. He added that he had been wearing the German sportswear trainer, including Sambas, for several years. He said, “I issue a fulsome apology to the Samba community. But, in my defence, I would say I have been wearing Adidas trainers, including Sambas – and others, in fact – for many, many years. The first pair my brother got for me many, many years ago – my first pair of fun Adidas trainers as a Christmas present. I haven’t looked back since. So, I’ve been a longtime devotee.”

He did say that the pair he was wearing in the interview was a new one, though.

British GQ magazine wrote that while celebrities such as Harry Styles, Bella Hadid, Paul Mescal, and even Rihanna have also worn the shoes, the UK PM has ruined the pair of sneakers for everyone “in a bid to present himself as young and hip.”

Netizens filled the comment sections of Sunak’s video with sarcastic remarks such as “The sambas, guess he’s one of us now” and “His trainers really helped that become easily understandable and relatable for me.” Some others questioned, “What is he wearing on his feet?” and “Why mans got the sambas on?”