Fact-checking: Was Kamala Harris wearing audio earrings? Viral claim debunked

The much-anticipated Donald Trump vs. Kamala Harris debate finally took place this week on September 10. Reportedly, Trump’s campaign had concerns beforehand, fearing that an ‘angry’ or ‘happy’ Trump might be portrayed to the world. However, the former president called the debate his ‘best ever’ despite having complaints about the moderators.

On the other hand, shortly after the debate, Kamala Harris quickly became the focus of a conspiracy theory. Trump supporters took to social media, claiming that Harris’ earrings were actually wireless headphones.

Fact-checking: Did Kamala Harris use audio earrings during the presidential debate?

Harris’ pearl earrings were targeted as some claimed they had earphones embedded in them, reports Wired. As the debate unfolded, social media erupted with speculation that Harris was receiving external assistance.

The claims stemmed from a viral post on X, where a user compared Harris’ earrings to a promotional image of the Nova H1 Audio Earrings. One pro-Trump account with over half a million followers on Xsaid:

It appears Kamala Harris was being coached by using earphones embedded in her earrings during the ABC presidential debate against President Trump.

The post quickly gained traction online with many others accusing her of doing the same.

Users claim that Harris was wearing pearl earrings that bore a striking resemblance to the Nova H1 Audio Earrings. Nova H1 Audio Earrings are piece of jewelry that also double as earphones.

Rumours have been debunked

However, USA Today has confirmed that there is no truth in these accusations. For starters, the Nova H1 earrings are not readily available for sale and were part of a now-defunct Kickstarter campaign​.

A journalist-run website, What Kamala Wore, revealed that her earrings were a discontinued style from Tiffany & Co. Susan Kelley, the owner of the site, said:

There was a bizarre narrative being pushed last night claiming the vice president wore earrings with an audio receiver.

I am comfortable stating that was clearly not the case; these are the same Tiffany earrings she has worn for months.

Kamala Harris: Why does she stay away from Bluetooth/wireless earphones?

Interestingly, the irony of these accusations lies in Kamala Harris’ own stance on wireless technology. The 59-year-old has previously expressed skepticism about Bluetooth and wireless earphones due to security concerns.

In 2021, Politico reported that Harris ‘has long felt that Bluetooth headphones are a security risk.’ As a result, she insists on wearing wired headphones and has been photographed with them on multiple occasions. HuffPost stated that she was recently seen with wired headphones in her hand while boarding Air Force Two.

In her famous 2020 video where she congratulated Joe Biden for winning over Trump and said ‘We did it, Joe,’ Harris can be seen holding tangled wired headphones.

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Sources used

Wired: Trump Fans Spread Debate Conspiracy About Microphone Earrings

USA Today: No evidence there were transmitters in Kamala Harris' earrings during debate | Fact check

Politico: Kamala Harris is Bluetooth-phobic

HuffPost: Kamala Harris Doesn't Use Bluetooth Headphones. Here's Why That's Smart — And What You Should Do With Yours.