A tech company has fueled Kamala Harris earring conspiracy theories, joking that the jewelry she wore on debate night bore a striking resemblance to one of their Bluetooth devices, and even offering to design a pair of “orange” earrings for Donald Trump.
Following Tuesday's presidential debate, a claim spread quickly on social media that Harris, 59, was wearing clip-on audio headphones disguised as pearl earrings in preparation for her showdown with the 78-year-old former president.
Germany-based Eisbach Sound Solutions has weighed in after conspiracy-believing Trump supporters claimed the vice president was wearing one of its Bluetooth devices, the Nova H1 Audio Earrings.
“We don't know if Mrs. Harris was wearing our products. The similarities are striking and although our products were not developed specifically for use in a presidential debate, they would still be suitable,” Eisbach managing director Malte Iversen joked to tech media. Tom's Guide.
“To give both candidates a level playing field, we are currently developing a men's version which will soon be available to the Trump campaign. However, the colour choice is a bit tricky as orange doesn't go well with many colours.”
Meanwhile, the company also vowed to clear up “the rumors and myths surrounding our incredible products” during an upcoming appearance on “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.”
“Following the presidential debate we received numerous interview requests from television programmes,” a message posted on the Munich-based company's website said.
“After extensive discussion, we have decided to allow one live interview… Our chosen interviewer is a Bavarian we wholeheartedly trust: Jimmy Fallon.”
It was not immediately clear when Fallon's appearance was scheduled to air.
The so-called “Earringgate” controversy erupted when several right-wingers took aim at the vice president's pearl, claiming that it contained a secret Bluetooth device that allowed an unseen aide to provide guidance to the vice president during the ABC News debate in Philadelphia.
But the NOVA H1 Audio Earrings bear little resemblance to the ones Harris wore, except that they both feature pearls.
The Vice President's actual earrings are Tiffany double pearl hinge earrings.
The sterling silver version of Tiffany's earrings, which retail for $800, appears to currently be sold out, according to the luxury brand's website.
Meanwhile, the clip-on NOVA H1 audio earrings retail for around $625 a piece.
On the other hand, Harris I've previously criticized Bluetooth earphones as a security threat. He was spotted using wired earphones during election campaigning.
Still, similar theories circulated on social media during the 2020 and 2016 election cycles that both President Biden and Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton were using earpieces during debates with President Trump.
Fact-checking websites quickly denied these claims.
Meanwhile, President Trump appeared to further add to Harris' conspiracy theories on Wednesday, suggesting to Fox News that the vice president knew in advance what would be discussed.
“They were doing a rigged show and they had someone on the show who might know the answer,” he said. “Honestly, I listened to her and I said, 'You know, she seems like she knows a lot about the questions.'”
