"Champagne socialist": Jagmeet Singh’s luxury designer tote sparks debate online
When Jagmeet Singh stepped out of a hotel, little did he know that his accessory of choice would spark such a heated debate online.
According to one X user, the New Democratic Party leader was photographed outside a Sheraton hotel in Toronto carrying a black tote bag with a tropical print on the front and “Versace” very clearly emblazoned across the design.
NDP leader Jagmeet Singh parades a Versace tote while staying at the Sheraton in Toronto yesterday
Despite his party’s purported focus on “workers’ rights” and “income inequality,” Singh is known for lavish taste and bespoke suits
More hypocrisy from the bureaucracy pic.twitter.com/DhYL7vjZQq
— Tamara Ugolini 🇨🇦 (@TamaraUgo) November 24, 2023
One Instagram account also shared the photo with the caption: “Champagne socialist Jagmeet Singh spotted with a Versace tote bag yesterday.”
Singh’s controversial Versace bag (Pinterest)
According to the Versace site, prices for tote bags start at around $1,000 but can go up to $2,000. Singh’s bag doesn’t look like a recent model as the same canvas tote bag is no longer available on Versace’s site. However, there is one that’s currently listed on the popular resale site Poshmark for US$750.
For Canadians struggling amidst an affordability crisis, it wasn’t a good look for the NDP leader.
The photo drew harsh criticism, with one commenter calling him “The Rolex socialist.”
“LOL, this dude calling out ‘corporate greed’ while he buys Versace,” stated another.
I have no issue with our leaders wearing nice clothes and staying in downtown hotels. I have issue with Jagmeets ideology.
— Robert Skarzynski (@robskarz) November 24, 2023
One X user was more concerned about the tropical print, calling it “obnoxious.”
That has got to be the most obnoxious, tacky branded bag there is too. That’s gotta be photoshop
— Condo Chris (@CondoChris) November 24, 2023
Others didn’t understand why a designer handbag was setting people off.
One Instagram commenter asked, “Why does it matter how HE CHOOSES to spend his money?”
If he can afford it, so what?
— Randomaniac (@krbcan) November 24, 2023
Where do you stand on the Singh-Versace debate?