Quebec's National Public Health Director Dr. Horacio Arruda offered an emotional apology Tuesday after critics lambasted him for dancing in a viral video. The video, they argued, was inappropriate given the rising death toll in the province. "If the performance I gave [...] caused grief or insulted the bereaved families, I offer my sincerest apologies," the doctor said at the end of the daily press briefing. "Every night at 2:00 in the morning, I look at the deaths and my heart is turning," he said with tears welling up in his eyes. "So it was never my intention to hurt anyone, and I understood that I would never use social media in that context again." In the day since, the doctor's supporters have begun to rally behind him, sharing encouraging messages on social media and drowning out the critics who continue to share their frustration. Other Arruda fans are expressing anger that the innocent dance video was so negatively received. Since the beginning of the health crisis, the Director has become a household name. He rose from obscurity to achieve international fame, attracting countless admirers with his exuberance and wit. Now, they're out in full force to share their support. Many say that they welcomed the dance video as an expression of his humanity. Franchement !!! Le Dr. #Arruda a bien le droit de se divertir ! Le monde qui se sont plaint n’ont vraiment pas de bon jugement , ni de bon sens ! #GetALife Je suis 200% avec le #Dr.HoracioArruda !!!— Roxane (@roxxannna) May 12, 2020 Translation: Seriously!!! Dr. Arruda has the right to have some fun! Everyone who complains doesn't have good judgement or sense! #GetALife I'm 200% with #Dr.HoracioArruda!!! A very emotional Dr. Arruda apologized for the maladroit dancing video he recently made, saying he’s sorry if it offended or hurt anyone. It was sincere. He was fighting back tears.He’s been carrying an incredible burden for months now. I wouldn’t want his job. Let the man be.— Toula Drimonis (@ToulasTake) May 12, 2020 Dr. Arruda there is no need to apologize to anyone . Your doing an awesome job under the circumstances. God Bless 🙏🌈🇵🇹🇨🇦.— Priscilla Godinho (@FabroseD1) May 12, 2020 The FUCK are people really telling Dr Arruda off for posting a dance video?!?!? To the point where the man has to appologize in a press conference in tears?!?!? WHAT THE FUCK IS WRONG WITH PEOPLE— Nicole Hurtubise (@NiicoleeHurtu) May 13, 2020 Fans also say they were moved by his tearful apology. Others are offering encouragement and gratitude for his work. @ArrudaHoracio You ROCK Dr Arruda! Lache pas!— Lisa (@Lisa95586888) May 13, 2020 Merci pour tout ce que vous faites pour le Québec Dr.Arruda...impossible de plaire à tout le monde, la société étant ce qu'elle est. Ne vous laissez pas atteindre par les commentaires mesquins!#teamhoracio— joane raymond (@JoaneRaymond) May 13, 2020 Translation: Thank you for everything you do for Quebec Dr. Arruda... it's impossible to please everyone [...] Don't let the mean comments get you down! Je veux comprendre que la population souffre, mais, quand ça va mal, il y en a qui cherchent toutes les occasions pour en incriminer d’autres, surtout les autorités. Pour la population, le Dr Arruda n’a pas le droit d’être humain. Ça, c’est de chercher des poux!— Boulé Luc (@luc_boule) May 13, 2020 Translation: I can understand that the population is suffering, but when things go wrong, some people look for every opportunity to blame others, especially the authorities. As far as the population is concerned, Dr. Arruda has no right to be human. Un temps difficile mais faut-il en plus se flageller. Rire, chanter, danser est un signe d'équilibre. J'espère Dr Arruda que cela ne vous empêchera pas de dormir y'a plein d'autres choses qui peuvent le faire. En autant que je suis concerné dansez et riez encore— Lucie Racicot (@LucieZazi48) May 13, 2020 Translation: Laughing, singing, dancing is a sign of balance. I hope, Dr. Arruda, that this doesn't keep you awake at night. There are plenty of other things that can do that. As far as I'm concerned, dance and laugh some more. @arrudahoracio cela veut-il dire que ns devons cesser de rire, de vivre et de s'amuser. Merci d'être dr Arruda.— Josée Sarrazin (@SarrazinJosee) May 13, 2020 Translation: Does this mean that we have to stop laughing, living, and having fun? Thank you for being you, Dr. Arruda. Notre bon DR Arruda, vous avez tout notre appui . Votre sincérité, ampathie et professionnalisme vous honores. Ne changer surtout pas , on vous aimes 🥰— nicole jacques (@missdoudoune) May 13, 2020 Translation: Our good Dr. Arruda, you have all our support. Your sincerity, empathy, and professionalism honour us. Don't change anything. We love you. @ArrudaHoracio On vous aimes M.Arruda .... Vous êtes un etre humain. Normal d’être fatigué avec votre travail et votre dévouement. Ne lâchez pas !!! Ca va bien allez xx🦋☀️🌈— Gabrielle Genest (@GabrielleGene15) May 13, 2020 Translation: We love you, Mr. Arruda... You are a human being. It's normal to be tired with your work and dedication. Don't let go!!! It's going to be okay. Stay tuned for more news.
