A German tech company has humorously joined the buzz surrounding the conspiracy theory that Vice President Kamala Harris’ earrings during the recent debate resembled Bluetooth devices. The company even offered to create an “orange” version for former President Donald Trump.
The claims that Harris, 59, was wearing disguised audio headphones, resembling pearl earrings during her debate against the former president, 78, have quickly spread on social media following Tuesday’s presidential debate.
Now, Icebach Sound Solutions, based in Germany, has responded to the viral chatter. Some Trump supporters claimed that Harris was wearing the company’s Nova H1 Audio Earring, a Bluetooth device.
“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,” said Malte Iversen, managing director of Icebach, in a lighthearted statement to tech outlet Tom’s Guide.
“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,” Iversen continued.
Additionally, the company promised to clear up the “rumors and myths surrounding our wonderful products” in an upcoming appearance on “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.”
“Following the presidential debate we have been contacted by numerous TV shows for interviews,” a statement on the company’s website reads. “After thorough discussions we have decided that we will grant one live interview … our chosen interviewer is Jimmy Fallon, a trusted Bavarian in heart.”
It remains unclear when the appearance will be aired.
The controversy, dubbed “earring-gate,” began after several right-wing commentators claimed that Harris’ pearl earrings concealed a Bluetooth device, allowing her to receive coaching during the ABC News debate in Philadelphia.
Despite the speculation, the Nova H1 Audio Earrings have little in common with the earrings Harris wore, aside from both featuring pearls. Harris’ earrings appeared more like a gold version of Tiffany & Co.’s Double Pearl Hinged Earrings, which retail for $800 and are currently sold out. Meanwhile, the clip-on Nova H1 Audio Earrings are priced around $625 each.
Interestingly, Harris has previously criticized Bluetooth earpieces as a security risk and has often been seen using wired earbuds on the campaign trail.
Theories about earpieces during debates are not new; similar rumors circulated in the 2020 and 2016 election cycles, with allegations that President Biden and Hillary Clinton were using such devices against Trump. These claims were quickly debunked by fact-checkers.
On Wednesday, Trump added fuel to the speculation by suggesting to Fox News that Harris might have had advance knowledge of the debate topics. “They had a rigged show with somebody that maybe even had the answers,” he stated. “I mean, I’ll be honest, I watched her talk and I said, ‘You know, she seems awfully familiar with the questions.’”
