Haitian leader Edgard Leblanc Fils created a moment to remember at the United Nations General Assembly in New York Thursday after spilling water on himself while trying to drink directly from the jug of water during his remarks. As Fils was answering a question, he could be seen in a viral video picking up a whole jug of water and trying to drink from it, instead of pouring it in a glass.
Here's the video:
🚨‼️ Haitian leader Edgard LeBlanc Fils sips from a pitcher of water during his speech at the UN General Assembly. pic.twitter.com/D21ggMeV0M
— AɯƙɯαɾԃMαɱα™® (@AwkwardMamaNews) September 26, 2024
Fils, who is the president of Haiti’s transitional council, spoke about the gang violence in Haiti and how it is spurring migration. He then talked about the false claims about Haitians living in Springfield, Ohio eating pet animals. He expressed concern that Haitians in the US and worldwide could face severe repercussions as a result of the claims about Springfield, which was catapulted to global headlines after former president Donald Trump made the claim at the presidential debate on September 10.
He then extended his solidarity to the 'friends of Haiti' for standing y the community amid the false claims.
“I would like to extend a brotherly greeting to all friends of Haiti that have shown solidarity towards the migrants from our country — and in particular those living in Springfield, Ohio,” he said.
Referring to the ties between the US and Haiti, which go long back in history, Fils said that it makes him confident that the American people reject any incitement to hate against our community.”
“The passions that naturally arise during an election campaign should never serve as a pretext for xenophobia or racism in a country such as the United States, a country forged by immigrants from all countries, and which has become a model of democracy for the world,” he added.