NEW YORK CITY — The 99th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade took an unexpected turn Thursday when the brand-new J.D. Vance balloon drifted off course and bumped directly into the Friends couch float, instantly going viral as #PivotVance.
Witnesses say handlers lost control for just a moment, sending the towering balloon Vice President tilting forward and colliding with the giant orange Central Perk sofa.
“It looked like he was trying to aggressively merge with the couch,” said one parade-goer. “The kids were confused. The adults were… also confused.”
Parade officials confirmed only minor damage to the couch but admitted several balloon handlers needed “a brief emotional regroup.”
Vance’s spokesperson quickly shifted blame, stating, “The Friends couch has a well-known history of causing accidents on staircases.”
Macy’s is reviewing balloon placement for next year to ensure no further altercations between elected officials and 90s sitcom furniture.