Date: October 12, 1960
Photographer: American Karl Gustafson – Photographer for The New York Times
Details: The iconic image of Soviet leader Nikita Khrushchev’s shoe originates from a session of the United Nations General Assembly held in New York City, USA, in 1960. During this session, Philippine delegate Lorenzo Sumulong sharply criticized the Soviet Union, alleging that Eastern European nations and other parts of the world had been deprived of their civil and political rights, having been swallowed up by the Soviets. In response to these accusations, Khrushchev reportedly removed his shoe and slammed it on the desk in protest.
This account is widely recognized and documented in the media from that time. However, subsequent accounts have revealed significant discrepancies regarding the origin of the photo of Khrushchev’s shoe. Khrushchev himself admitted to this act in his memoirs but provided a different narrative. He claimed that he had delivered a strong statement against the Franco regime in Spain. Afterward, the Spanish representative responded, and socialist delegates, including Khrushchev, protested vociferously. Khrushchev said he decided to intensify the protest by removing his shoe and hitting it on the desk to amplify their objection.
On the other hand, some attendees denied Khrushchev’s account, stating that his speech against Franco occurred three days prior. Journalists began sharing their memories of the event, including Washington Post correspondent Murray Marder, who recounted that after seeing Khrushchev remove his shoe, he expected it to be thrown at the platform. Instead, Khrushchev sat down and began pounding the shoe on his desk, initially with light taps that grew louder, drawing attention from other delegates. Other sources mentioned that Khrushchev first struck the desk with his shoe before going to the platform to criticize the Philippine delegate as a stooge and servant of American imperialism, and then returned to his seat. Khrushchev’s granddaughter, Nina, suggested that he removed his shoe because he was wearing new, tight shoes, and while he was banging the table with his fists, his watch fell to the floor. As he picked it up, he noticed his removed shoe, picked it up, and continued the banging.
It is noteworthy that there are no other photos documenting the moment Khrushchev hit the desk with his shoe aside from this one. Other images circulating online are either fake or manipulated.
