Oxford Union President-Elect Removed Due to Charlie Kirk Posts

Student society event
Charlie Kirk and George Abaraonye participated in a debate at the Oxford Union in spring

The future president of the prestigious debating society has been removed from his position after losing a no-confidence vote that came after his controversial online comments about Charlie Kirk.

The motion against George Abaraonye reached the required two-thirds threshold to remove him from office, according to an announcement from the organization.

Disputed Comments

The controversy began after the student reportedly shared messages on online platforms that appeared to welcome the killing of the American conservative figure, who was shot dead while speaking at a college in the United States.

According to reports, one social media message reportedly stated "Charlie Kirk got shot loool" - using an extended form of the acronym for 'laughing out loud'.

The president-elect is also reported to have written in a messaging group with fellow students appearing to welcome the incident.

Election Results

The no-confidence motion was conducted over the recent days, with outcomes revealed on this week.

Society announcements showed that 1,228 ballots were cast in favor of removal, while just over five hundred were against the motion.

The notice confirmed that the future president was considered to have stepped down in following the society's regulations.

Society notice
The student society announced the outcome of the confidence motion on Tuesday morning

Procedural Disputes

Proceedings were temporarily halted early on the previous day after the returning officer was allegedly subjected to "obstruction, intimidation, and unwarranted hostility" from multiple individuals.

In a statement, the student claimed that the vote tally had been stopped because electoral officials believed "no valid outcome could be reached as a result of procedural failures".

His statement unequivocally denied that any person appointed by George had engaged in intimidating or disruptive behavior.

Continuing Controversy

The president-elect stated that extremely serious issues had been referred to the disciplinary committee and that he continued as president-elect.

His statement added that he was "grateful and honored to have the backing of well in excess of a majority of university members" who voted to have a "safe election and resist attempts to subvert democracy".

Opponents have argued that any failure to remove him would "demonstrate internationally that the Oxford Union has chosen ideology over integrity".

Conservative activist
The conservative activist was fatally shot while speaking at a university in last month

External Reactions

On Friday, Kirk's former chief of staff presented an public message to the society on The Charlie Kirk Show broadcast.

The letter accused the union of becoming a place where "presidents of the union openly applaud the killing of a ideological rival".

The statement warned that if Mr Abaraonye were to keep his position, supporters would "personally contact every U.S. political figure who has ever spoken at the society and advise them against future participation".

The Oxford Union had earlier criticized the student's remarks after the activist's killing and confirmed that complaints filed against him had been forwarded for disciplinary proceedings.

The student leader had been one of multiple members to debate with Kirk at the society in May.

Tamara Miller
Tamara Miller

A productivity enthusiast and writer passionate about sharing innovative tips for better living.