Harry Styles shocked his fans by performing a shoey — when someone drinks alcohol from their own shoe.
It may seem like an extreme choice, but it is supposedly part of a long-standing Australian tradition.
It’s usually part of a celebration. Though it has a long history, it became popular in Australia when Formula One racer Daniel Ricciardo performed a shoey after winning the German Grand Prix.
As for Harry, he couldn’t refuse the hype at his concert in Australia and soon found himself doing the same.
He lifted his shoe high above his head and let the alcohol pour straight into his mouth in a memorable — albeit somewhat disgusting — display.
It seemed to be a hit at the concert as the excited screams grew from the crowd. However, his fans’ reactions have been primarily mixed online.
Harry Styles’ fans have mixed reactions to the Australian tradition
Harry’s fans’ reactions have been mixed, and some strong opinions have been aired on Twitter. The shoey seemed to change one user’s entire view on Harry, as they wrote, “notice how before he was classy and hot and now…”
Another Twitter user thought the entire mention of the act should be deleted entirely from the internet, and they said so in all caps.
Not everyone can handle the Australian tradition, and one user portrayed their disgust by writing, “EWWWWW.”
Others did not believe the shoey was a tradition and even suggested it was a scam. “I can’t believe everyone always scams American celebrities into doing shoeys,” one Twitter user wrote.
Of course, not all the reactions were negative. Some’s fandom for Harry even seemed to grow after seeing the on-stage shoey.
Harry Styles’ fans support him
One Twitter user wrote, “And looks so sexy while doing it. He’s having so much fun in Australia love that for him.”
Another wrote, “Why is this kinda hot.”
One user recalled the original celebrity that made the shoey popular in Australia by writing, “Daniel [Ricciardo] approves this.”
Other defended Harry in the comments by explaining that the shoey is an Australian tradition.
Regardless of the mixed reactions, it’s clear that Harry’s concert-goers were big fans, and overall it sparked conversation.