Brazilian Right Calls for Boycott of Iconic Havaianas Flip-Flops

Prominent figures from Brazil’s right wing are urging a boycott of Havaianas, the country’s renowned flip-flop brand. The call to action follows an advertisement featuring actress Fernanda Torres, which many conservatives perceive as a political statement ahead of the October 2026 presidential elections. In the video shared on the brand’s social media, Torres encourages viewers to “not start 2026 on the right foot,” but rather “on both feet.”

Torres, an advocate for the Brazilian left, recently starred in the award-winning film “Ainda Estou Aqui” (“I’m Still Here”), which won the Oscar for Best Foreign Language Film earlier this year. The advertisement has ignited considerable backlash among conservative groups.

Eduardo Bolsonaro, a son of former president Jair Bolsonaro, who is currently serving a 27-year prison sentence for his role in an attempted coup, expressed his discontent on Instagram. In a video, he disposed of Havaianas flip-flops, recognizable by their straps adorned with the Brazilian flag, stating, “Havaianas used to be a national symbol. I’ve seen many foreigners wearing this Brazilian flag on their feet… but I’m sorry, I’m going to throw these flip-flops in the trash.”

The backlash extended to other conservative figures, including congressman Rodrigo Valadares, who declared on social media, “Havaianas has chosen its side. The RIGHT has opted for a boycott.” Influencer Thiago Asmar, who boasts over two million followers on Instagram, added, “My feet are burning on the asphalt, but Havaianas, never again.”

Havaianas has established itself as one of the world’s best-selling sandal brands. The Alpargatas group, which owns Havaianas, employs approximately 10,000 people and reported sales of 226.6 million pairs of flip-flops in 2024, with the majority sold in Brazil. The company has not yet responded to requests for comment.

In contrast, left-wing congresswoman Duda Salabert criticized the right’s reactions, labeling them as “idiotic attacks.” She warned that calls for a boycott could jeopardize jobs in Minas Gerais, the southeastern state she represents, which houses one of Havaianas’ production facilities.

Torres’ film, which explores the years of military dictatorship in Brazil, resonates with a significant portion of the population, particularly those nostalgic for the past. This political climate is further complicated by the upcoming elections, where Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, the current leftist president who defeated Bolsonaro in the 2022 elections, is expected to seek a fourth term.

As tensions rise over the boycott, the impact on Havaianas and its workforce remains to be seen. The ongoing political discourse continues to intertwine with cultural symbols, reflecting the deep divisions within Brazilian society.