Ousted Oxford Union president-elect George Abaraonye has issued an apology to the family of Charlie Kirk after celebrating when he was shot.
The 20-year-old PPE student at University College, Oxford, sparked outrage in September when he wrote in a WhatsApp group of Union members: ‘Charlie Kirk got shot, let’s f****** go’, and posted a similar message on Instagram.
The comments came just months after Abaraonye sat opposite Kirk, one of the most prominent pro-Trump voices in American politics during a heated Oxford Union debate.
He now claims his reaction came before the seriousness of the incident became clear.
‘I had very little context for what I was reacting to, but I wanted to start a conversation… I missed the mark… and that’s why I deleted and retracted my comments,’ he said.
Speaking to The Times, he said he wanted to address Kirk’s family directly. ‘I want to offer my apologies and my condolences. No one deserves to lose a husband, no child deserves to grow up without a father,’ he said.
‘I hope that they are able, in some capacity, to move on from what was a tragic event and to that end, I am very sorry.’
Abaraonye had served on the committee that approved Kirk’s invitation to the Union, describing him as a figure who had ‘national influence… almost a direct line to the president’.
The ousted Oxford Union president-elect who celebrated the shooting of Charlie Kirk has publicly apologised to his family (pictured: George Abaraonye)
Mr Abaraonye, 20, posted his message on WhatsApp after the shooting
He also acknowledged Kirk’s successful debating methods, adding that his authoritative style was effective due to current online editing abilities giving way for points to be framed in a certain light.
The student reflected that today’s debates are increasingly polarised and shaped by social media attention rather than facts.
He admitted he reacted without having done research, and once his comments became a headline, critics responded in exactly the same rapid and hostile fashion.
Abaraonye says he faced a torrent of racist abuse, including being told to be ‘shot’ and ‘deported from the UK’, despite being born in London.
He also reported AI-generated videos attacking him personally.
His college has since introduced support measures after what he described as a breakdown, warning he did not want to be attacked by racists online.
A working-class student who grew up on free school meals – he said representation in elite institutions remains crucial – and fears backlash could deter other black students from participating in Oxford life.
The controversy ultimately led to a motion of no confidence in his presidency.
A chaotic vote – paused amid claims of ‘obstruction, intimidation and unwarranted hostility’ – ended with more than 1,200 members backing his removal.
He appealed over irregularities but lost, clearing the way for Katherine Yang to take over the role.
Abaraonye had planned to broaden the Union’s appeal and platform a wider range of voices. Although ‘gutted’, he now says he is ready for closure.
He explained that he was grateful that the ordeal was over and that he would now be able to move forward.
