🔗 Share this article Oxford Union Future Leader Removed Following Conservative Activist Comments Charlie Kirk and George Abaraonye took part in a discussion at the student society in spring The president-elect of the prestigious debating society has been ousted from office after failing a vote of confidence that followed his controversial online comments about the conservative activist. The motion against George Abaraonye reached the required super-majority to oust him from his position, according to an statement from the society. Disputed Comments The controversy erupted after Mr Abaraonye reportedly posted messages on online platforms that appeared to celebrate the killing of Charlie Kirk, who was shot dead while addressing a college in Utah. According to reports, one Instagram post reportedly stated "Charlie Kirk got shot loool" - using an elongated version of the acronym for 'laughing out loud'. The student leader is also reported to have posted in a WhatsApp chat with other members appearing to express approval of the event. Election Results The vote of confidence took place over the recent days, with outcomes revealed on this week. Society announcements showed that 1,228 ballots were cast supporting removal, while 501 were against the motion. The notice confirmed that the president-elect was deemed to have stepped down in following the society's regulations. The student society shared the result of the no-confidence vote on this week Procedural Disputes Proceedings were informally suspended early on Monday after the returning officer was allegedly subjected to "obstruction, intimidation, and unwarranted hostility" from multiple individuals. In a statement, the student asserted that the vote tally had been halted because election administrators believed "no legitimate and true result could be reached as a result of process errors". His response categorically refuted that any representative appointed by George had participated in threatening or obstructive conduct. Ongoing Dispute The president-elect maintained that extremely serious issues had been referred to the disciplinary committee and that he remained the elected leader. His comment added that he was "grateful and honored to have the support of significantly more than half of university members" who supported a "safe election and oppose efforts to undermine the electoral process". Opponents have said that any decision to keep him would "demonstrate internationally that the society has chosen ideology over integrity". The conservative activist was fatally shot while speaking at a university in last month External Responses On Friday, Mikey McCoy presented an public message to the society on a related program podcast. The letter accused the union of becoming a place where "student leaders publicly celebrate the killing of a ideological rival". The statement indicated that if the student were to remain in post, supporters would "personally contact every U.S. political figure who has ever graced the union's chamber and advise them against future participation". The Oxford Union had earlier condemned the student's remarks after the activist's killing and stated that complaints submitted about him had been referred for official review. The president-elect had been one of multiple members to debate with Kirk at the society in spring.