Swedish gender equality minister Paulina Brandberg has garnered attention and some amusement after it was reported that she has a pronounced phobia of bananas, prompting her staff to ask for 'banana-free' zones during official events. Leaked emails reviewed by local news outlet Expressen reveal requests to ensure that any bananas are removed from venues prior to her attendance, especially during VIP gatherings.
Brandberg, who first disclosed her unusual fear on social media in 2020, described it as "the world's weirdest phobia." Subsequently, these posts were deleted. She explained in response to inquiries that while her fear also presents itself like an allergy, she is actively seeking professional help to manage the condition.
Interestingly, she is not the only politician expressing this uncommon fear; fellow MP Teresa Carvalho echoed similar sentiments on social media, affirming she too suffers from bananaphobia. Carvalho remarked on their shared predicament, stating, “We may have had many tough debates about conditions in working life, but on this issue we stand united against a common enemy."
Bananaphobia, though rare, can elicit severe reactions in individuals, including intense anxiety and even nausea, which can be triggered by sight or smell of bananas. According to experts, the origins of such phobias can often be traced back to childhood experiences, although specific causal factors may vary significantly between individuals.
This unique situation has not only highlighted a personal challenge faced by Brandberg but has also drawn national attention to the various complexities and nuances that come with managing rare phobias in professional settings.
