Student Society President-Elect Ousted Due to Charlie Kirk Posts

Oxford Union debate
The activist and student leader took part in a discussion at the student society in May

The future president of the Oxford Union has been removed from his position after failing a vote of confidence that followed his controversial social media posts about the conservative activist.

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

Contentious Posts

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

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

The student leader is also reported to have written in a WhatsApp chat with other members appearing to express approval of the event.

Vote Outcome

The no-confidence motion took place over the weekend, with results announced on Tuesday.

Official notices showed that 1,228 ballots were cast supporting removal, while just over five hundred were against the motion.

The notice stated that the future president was deemed to have stepped down in accordance with the Oxford Union's rules.

Oxford Union announcement
The student society shared the result of the no-confidence vote on this week

Procedural Disputes

Proceedings were temporarily halted early on the previous day after the returning officer was reportedly subjected to "interference, threats, and inappropriate behavior" from multiple individuals.

In a statement, Mr Abaraonye asserted that the vote tally had been halted because electoral officials believed "no legitimate and true result could be reached as a result of procedural failures".

His response unequivocally denied that any person acting for George had participated in threatening or obstructive conduct.

Continuing Controversy

The student stated that significant concerns had been submitted to the governing body and that he remained president-elect.

His statement added that George was "proud and thankful to have the backing of well in excess of a majority of students at Oxford" who voted to have a "safe election and resist attempts to subvert democracy".

Critics have argued that any failure to remove him would "signal to the world that the society has prioritized politics over principles".

Conservative activist
Charlie Kirk was shot dead while addressing a college in last month

External Responses

On Friday, Kirk's former chief of staff presented an open letter to the society on The Charlie Kirk Show podcast.

The message accused the society of becoming a institution where "student leaders publicly celebrate the killing of a political opponent".

The communication warned that if Mr Abaraonye were to keep his position, supporters would "personally contact every U.S. political figure who has ever graced the union's chamber and advise them against future participation".

The society had earlier condemned the student's comments after Kirk's death and confirmed that complaints submitted about him had been referred for official review.

The president-elect had been one of several students to debate with the activist at the union in spring.

Jason Barnett
Jason Barnett

A passionate writer and traveler, Evelyn shares insights from her global journeys and personal experiences to inspire others.