Justin Trudeau tricked by Russian pranksters in phone call
Posted November 24, 2020 12:45 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
OTTAWA (NEWS 1130) — Prime Minister Justin Trudeau was tricked by a pair of Russian pranksters back in January in video posted to social media this week.
In the 10-minute chat, animated and posted to YouTube Monday, pranksters, Vladimir Kuznetsov and Alexey Stolyarov, pretend to be climate activist Greta Thunberg calling to express concern about rising tensions following the Ukrainian Airlines flight being shot down by Iran, killings dozens of Canadians.
Trudeau gave cautious and diplomatic answers to the questions they asked regarding the tragedy and world politics.
He ended the call when the fake Thunberg asked to set up a meeting with Terrence and Phillip, two characters from South Park.
“By the way, Mr. prime minister, can you introduce me to Terrance and Phillip? I know that they are big stars in Canada, but it’s very strange I couldn’t find them in the social networks. Maybe you can help?” the pranksters said.
At first, Trudeau says he can look into something being set up before clarifying who fake Thunberg is talking about.
“Were they not in South Park?” he asked.
The characters could be seen in the background of the call’s accompanying animation and are known as a ridiculous Canadian comedy duo in the cartoon.
Trudeau’s office tells iPolitics there are strict protocols for who gets to speak with the prime ministers, nut the call slipped through because so many leaders were calling to offer condolences following the tragedy.
The pranksters have also duped French President Emmanuel Macron, U.S. Vice-President-elect Kamala Harris, and Prince Harry.
