Trudeau sparks Star Wars-Star Trek spat with Chewbacca socks

OTTAWA: Justin Trudeau’s choice in socks sparked a light-hearted Twitter competition between the stars of Star Wars and Star Trek after the Canadian Prime Minister sported Chewbacca hosiery during high-profile appearances in New York City this week.

Star Wars actor Mark Hamill applauded the appearance of his Wookie comrade on Trudeau’s socks, tweeting on Thursday it was “another reason” he loves the prime minister.

But Canadian actor William Shatner, who starred in the rival Star Trek franchise, suggested his feelings were hurt by the sock choice, tweeting a tearful emoji and message: “@JustinTrudeau I thought we were friends? Chewbacca socks?”

@JustinTrudeau I thought we were friends? 😳 Chewbacca socks? 😢 pic.twitter.com/CK6U9hGWkv

— William Shatner (@WilliamShatner) September 20, 2017

Trudeau is a well-known fan of Star Wars, having dressed as Han Solo – with his wife Sophie Gregoire Trudeau as Princess Leia – in 2015 to trick-or-treat on Halloween with his children.

Hamill joked that Trudeau also wears Star Wars-themed underclothes, tweeting that “Plus-I have it on good authority exactly what he was wearing UNDER his suit” along with a photo of Luke Skywalker underwear.

The Prime Minister’s office declined to comment on whether Trudeau’s sock choice was causing friction between Star Wars and Star Trek fans, or on what sort of underclothes he wears.

Trudeau’s penchant for wearing novelty socks to fit many occasions, including socks celebrating gay pride, NATO, and the Eid Islamic festival, has garnered both attention and disdain.

A New York Times story in June speculated the “sock diplomacy” symbolized Trudeau’s refusal to be bound by antiquated mores.

Justin Trudeau wearing Chewbacca socks, screaming “LOVE ME” to America (but saying he’s over us) cause he’s bscly everyone’s ex from jr high

— Corinne Clark (@corinnec) September 20, 2017

Justin Trudeau is wearing a Chewy Socks !! His socks game always A+ .. May the force be with you pic.twitter.com/uWdwDDeaxY

— Iðunn (@pamsinfinity) September 20, 2017

Justin Trudeau is wearing Chewbacca socks I’M DEAD pic.twitter.com/7d0qV2IEt5

— Gary He (@garyhe) September 20, 2017

Thanks Mark. Sadly those haven’t fit in a while… #MTFBWY https://t.co/J1DMyNLUoR

— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) September 22, 2017