In a video shared on social media, the Prime Minister is seen singing Bohemian Rhapsody by British rock band Queen.

The Queen was Canada’s head of state, and Trudeau designated September 19 as Canada’s national day of mourning.

Critics accused the Prime Minister of disrespect – but others defended him.

The video was shared on social media, but while a spokesperson for the Prime Minister confirmed it was genuine, it is unclear who filmed it.

It took place at the Corinthia Hotel, where the Canadian delegation was staying, on Saturday evening, September 17.

Trudeau wears a t-shirt, leaning against a piano, while Gregory Charles, a Quebec musician and recipient of the Order of Canada, plays Bohemian Rhapsody.

Charles told the Canadian newspaper Globe and Mail that the group sang with him for two hours and it was “very fun”, reminding him of West Indian funerals by mixing dark moments with those celebrating life.

But the video drew criticism from some Canadian commentators and netizens.

“Awkward is not enough to describe it,” Globe and Mail columnist Andrew Coyne wrote on Twitter. “It’s the Prime Minister, in a public place, on the eve of the Queen’s funeral. And that’s how he behaves?”

“He is the Canadian prime minister representing Canada during a week of mourning for the Queen. Our head of state,” said Vivian Bercovici, Canada’s former ambassador to Israel.

However, others said the problem was exaggerated.

Emmett Macfarlane, associate professor of political science at the University of Waterloo in Ontario, wrote on Twitter: “He… sings. Of all the embarrassing things Justin Trudeau has said and done, this is not one of them. from the list.”

“After dinner on Saturday, the Prime Minister joined a small meeting with members of the Canadian delegation, who had gathered to pay tribute to the life and service of Her Majesty,” a doorman said. Trudeau’s word.

“Gregory Charles, renowned Quebec musician and recipient of the Order of Canada, played the piano in the lobby of the hotel, which led to the support of certain members of the delegation, including the Prime Minister.

The spokesman noted that “the Prime Minister took part in various activities to pay tribute to the Queen”.

Some have considered the question with indifference.

Music journalist Adam Feibel quipped, “I don’t think Justin Trudeau singing Bohemian Rhapsody was disrespectful to the Queen, but I know enough about karaoke to assume he was disrespectful to the Queen.”