The president-elect of the Oxford Union has been at the center of controversy after he celebrated the death of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
George Abaraonye, who was elected in June to lead the historic debating society, reportedly wrote in a message, “Charlie Kirk got shot, let’s f***ing go,” adding a prayer emoji. According to The Telegraph, he also made a similar remark on Instagram, writing, “Charlie Kirk got shot loool.”
Abaraonye’s comments drew particular outrage because he had debated Kirk earlier this year when the activist visited Oxford, and the two engaged in a civil conversation. Kirk, wearing a suit, debated Abaraonye as he wore a t-shirt and sweats about topics such as masculinity.
The current Oxford Union leadership issued a statement on Thursday distancing itself from Abaraonye.
"The Oxford Union would like to unequivocally condemn the reported words and sentiments expressed by the President-Elect, George Abaraonye, with regards to the passing of Charlie Kirk," the statement read. "His reported views do not represent the Oxford Union's current leadership or committee's view. The current administration has, under President Moosa Harraj, no association with, and is entirely independent from, Mr. Abaraonye's administration."
The Union added that it “firmly opposes all forms of political violence” and is committed to free speech. It also offered condolences to Kirk’s widow and two children.
Additionally, the Honorary Secretary of the Oxford Literary Debating & Union Trust, the charity that owns the Union’s buildings, resigned in protest. “The callousness of the Union’s President-Elect has shocked me, but I also can't accept the lack of intervention on the issue,” said James Price.
In a statement to The Times, Abaraonye said he “reacted impulsively” and deleted his comments.
“Those words did not reflect my values. To be clear: nobody deserves to be the victim of political violence. Nobody should be harmed or killed for the views they hold,” he claimed. “I may have disagreed strongly with Mr Kirk’s politics, but in death we all deserve respect, and I extend my condolences to his family and loved ones.”
Abaraonye later told the New Statesman, “My words were no less insensitive than his—arguably less so; the difference is that I had the humility to recognise when I strayed from my core values, and I addressed it immediately upon reflection.”
The phrasing of this remark appears contradictory. In context, he was likely attempting to say that his words were less insensitive than Kirk’s past statements but that he took responsibility for them. This inconsistency has added to the confusion around his apology.
Abaronye is set to face disciplinary proceedings as well as a vote of no confidence when he takes the position of president next month, according to The Telegraph.
