The Oxford Union is facing a financial and reputational crisis after outrage over comments made by its president-elect about the fatal shooting of American commentator Charlie Kirk.
Sources say the 202-year-old debating society has seen several high-profile speakers withdraw and major donations put on hold following the controversy involving George Abaraonye, a final-year philosophy, politics and economics student at University College, Oxford.
Mr Abaraonye, who is due to take over as president next term, appeared to celebrate the shooting of Mr Kirk in a private group chat, writing, “Charlie Kirk got shot, let’s f—— go.”
He had previously debated Mr Kirk at the Oxford Union, where the pair discussed issues including marriage, gender norms and toxic masculinity.
Mr Abaraonye has since apologised and retracted his comments, saying he has learnt from his “mistake,” but officials fear the damage to the Union’s reputation may already be done.
A vote of no confidence in Mr Abaraonye took place on Saturday, with results expected on Sunday.
Speakers Withdraw and Funding Frozen
Union sources claim that as many as 40 invited guests have pulled out of scheduled events this year, though officials deny the number is that high, saying many cancellations were due to “logistical reasons.”
Among those who have withdrawn is Zia Yusuf, the head of policy for the Reform UK party, who was due to take part in a debate about the British Empire.
Other well-known names who have recently cancelled appearances, citing scheduling issues, include fashion designer Calvin Klein, tennis champion Serena Williams, and former New Zealand prime minister Jacinda Ardern. There is no evidence that their decisions were linked to Mr Abaraonye’s remarks.
American commentator Candace Owens, a close friend of Mr Kirk and former communications director for Turning Point USA, is also understood to have withdrawn.
Sources said that donations worth around £500,000 have been paused amid the controversy, while student recruitment during Freshers’ Week was around half of previous years.
The Oxford Union depends on student membership fees of up to £343 for lifetime membership, as well as donations and income from the Mitsubishi UFJ Trust Oxford Foundation.
Longstanding Institution Under Pressure
Founded in 1823, the Oxford Union describes itself as “the most prestigious debating society in the world.” Past speakers include Sir Winston Churchill and Richard Nixon.
The society has faced controversy before, including hosting Holocaust denier David Irving and near financial collapse in the 1970s, when a charitable trust was established to rescue it.
Officials now fear the latest row could threaten the Union’s future again. Financial reports show that the organisation had free reserves of £426,945 last year.
Political and Public Reaction
The backlash over Mr Abaraonye’s comments has spread beyond Oxford, with social media outrage reaching prominent conservative figures in the United States. Texas senator Ted Cruz, an ally of Donald Trump, has been among those commenting on the situation.
Oxford University has condemned Mr Abaraonye’s remarks but emphasised that the Union operates independently from the university.
Lord Hague, the chancellor of Oxford University and a former Union president, is understood to have met with Moosa Harraj, the current president, to offer procedural advice on handling the crisis. He declined to comment.
Mr Abaraonye has said the public response has led to “violent and extreme rhetoric,” claiming that his family has received threats.
He triggered a no-confidence motion in himself earlier this week, saying it was intended “to reclaim a process of true accountability” and bring the discussion “into our chambers, a space built for free speech.”
Critics accused him of attempting to pre-empt a separate motion that alumni had been planning to submit.
Saturday’s vote was originally limited to in-person ballots at the Union’s Frewin Court headquarters, but officials later allowed proxy votes from alumni. Results are expected to be released once counting concludes.
