A Havaianas ad campaign featuring actress Fernanda Torres has sparked controversy among right-wing supporters, who see it as a political attack. The actress suggests not starting 2026 with the 'right foot,' interpreted as a jab at the right. Deputy Nikolas Ferreira joined the debate calling for a boycott of the brand.
The Havaianas sandal brand's advertising campaign, starring actress Fernanda Torres and launched in December 2025, has elicited strong reactions from right-wing supporters in Brazil. In the ad, Torres states: “Sorry, but I don't want you to start 2026 with the right foot. No, it's not about luck, but let's agree: luck doesn't depend on you, it depends, it depends on luck. What I wish is that you start the New Year with both feet. Both feet in the door, both feet on the road, both feet in the jackfruit, both feet wherever you want. Go all out, body and soul, from head to toe”.
The phrase 'pé direito,' meaning good luck in Portuguese, was interpreted by right-wingers as a derogatory reference to the political right, suggesting ideological bias in the ad. Right-wing supporters accuse the brand of promoting a left-wing agenda, leading to calls for a boycott.
Federal deputy Nikolas Ferreira (PL-MG) commented on December 21, 2025, on his X social media account, punning on Havaianas' classic slogan 'everyone wears them.' He suggested people stop using the brand's sandals after the ad was seen as an attack on the right. Other right-wing politicians and influencers echoed the criticism, seeing malice in the choice of actress, who gained international attention for the film 'I'm Still Here,' about Brazil's military dictatorship.
Havaianas, owned by Alpargatas, has not publicly responded to the controversy as of now. The backlash underscores political tensions in Brazilian advertising, where brands aim to avoid polarization but get caught in ideological debates.
