Andrew Tate, a self-proclaimed misogynist, has ignited controversy by using a homophobic slur to disparage the haka. This incident follows his recent misgendering of Elon Musk’s transgender daughter, Vivian Jenna Wilson, and his implication that she is not entitled to an opinion.
The divisive internet personality took to X to express his views on the haka after MP Hana-Rawhiti Maipi-Clarke performed it on Thursday, 14 November, in protest of ACT’s Treaty Principles Bill, which is currently before Parliamant.
Tate’s tweet, stating, “The Haka is gay. Sorry New Zealand, all that screaming and dancing just to get owned by gunpowder,” has been viewed over nine million times and has attracted approximately 6,000 comments, predominantly condemning his disrespect towards the tradition.
The Haka is gay.
Sorry New Zealand.
All that screaming and dancing just to get owned by gunpowder.
WAKKKAAATAAA RAKKKAATTAAA REEEEYAAA REEEYAAA 😛
*Boom*
Dead.
— Andrew Tate (@Cobratate) November 14, 2024
One user responded: “Mocking the haka, a sacred Māori tradition, shows a lack of respect for its deep cultural meaning. It’s not about ‘screaming and dancing’; it’s a symbol of unity, pride, and strength. Let’s engage with cultures respectfully.”
Another commented: “It’s all right when it’s a performance of men only. The second a woman is invited, it totally loses its intimidation factor.”
A different user described the dance as “beautiful, bold, and powerful,” suggesting that Tate’s remarks resembled those of “a 13-year-old boy from 1996.”
Currently, Tate is under house arrest in Romania, facing charges of human trafficking and sexual violence, allegations he denies.
