German brand weighs in on Kamala Harris' earrings controversy and offers to make them for Donald Trump
WASHINGTON, DC: A German tech brand has unexpectedly waded into the middle of a viral controversy concerning Vice President Kamala Harris' debate-night earrings.
As social media buzzes with conspiracies, the company, Icebach Sound Solutions, humorously chimed in, adding to the already intense speculation.
Their playful commentary took the debate to a new level, even making an offer to design custom jewelry for former president Donald Trump, as per the New York Post.
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German tech brand Icebach responds to controversy surrounding Kamala Harris' earrings
Following the presidential debate, social media became flooded with claims that Kamala Harris, 59, wore hidden Bluetooth devices disguised as pearl earrings.
Conspiracy theorists suggested that these devices enabled her to receive secret coaching during her debate against Trump, who is 78. While the allegations spread rapidly, there seemed to be no solid proof to back them up.
At the center of the conspiracy theory was Germany-based Icebach Sound Solutions, a tech company that produces the NOVA H1 Audio Earring, a discreet Bluetooth device.
The device in question bears some resemblance to pearl earrings, which may have led Trump supporters to make the connection. The speculation gained so much attention that Icebach decided to weigh in with a tongue-in-cheek response.
In a statement to the tech outlet Tom’s Guide, Icebach’s managing director Malte Iversen commented, "We do not know whether Mrs. Harris wore one of our products. The resemblance is striking and while our product was not specifically developed for the use at presidential debates, it is nonetheless suited for it."
Iversen added, "To ensure a level playing field for both candidates, we are currently developing a male version and will soon be able to offer it to the Trump campaign. The choice of color is a bit challenging though as orange does not go well with a lot of colors."
Growing buzz around Kamala Harris’ earrings has been dubbed 'earring-gate'
The growing buzz around Kamala Harris’ earrings has been dubbed "earring-gate," a playful nod to past political scandals. Right-wing voices amplified the idea that Harris' pearl earrings contained hidden technology, a narrative they used to question the fairness of the debate.
The earrings in question, however, bear little resemblance to the NOVA H1 Audio Earrings sold by Icebach.
While both include pearls, Harris' earrings appeared to be more akin to Tiffany & Co’s Double Pearl Hinged Earrings, with the gold version retailing for around $800. Meanwhile, Icebach’s NOVA H1 Audio Earrings, which do feature a Bluetooth component, are priced at roughly $625.
Despite the significant difference between the two sets of earrings, the conspiracy theory took on a life of its own, reminiscent of earlier election cycles.
During both the 2020 and 2016 elections, social media users claimed that Democratic candidates, including President Joe Biden and Hillary Clinton, had worn earpieces during their debates against Trump.
These theories were swiftly debunked by fact-checking websites, yet they persisted and resurfaced in the latest debate involving Harris.
Adding to the lighthearted chaos, Icebach announced that they had received numerous requests for interviews to clear up the "rumors and myths surrounding our wonderful products."
According to a message on the company’s website, Icebach plans to address the controversy on 'The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon'.
In the announcement, the Munich-based company wrote, "Following the presidential debate we have been contacted by numerous TV shows for interviews. After thorough discussions, we have decided that we will grant one live interview … our chosen interviewer is Jimmy Fallon, a trusted Bavarian in heart."
