Oxford Union is grappling with a major financial and reputational crisis after donations were frozen amid a heated free speech row involving president-elect George Abaraonye.
Reports indicate that sums of up to £500,000 have been put on hold, while high-profile speakers have pulled out of scheduled appearances, leaving the historic debating society in turmoil.
Controversial Messages Spark Outrage
The controversy began when George Abaraonye, 20, who had previously debated US influencer Charlie Kirk, posted messages on WhatsApp and Instagram that appeared to celebrate Kirk’s shooting.
One leaked message read, “Charlie Kirk got shot, let’s f****** go,” while another joked, “Charlie Kirk got shot loool.”
Abaraonye later deleted the messages after learning of Kirk’s death and admitted he “acted poorly” without fully understanding the situation.
Nevertheless, the fallout has left the Oxford Union facing intense scrutiny. One official told The Telegraph, “Honestly, it feels like it’s [the union] lost its identity.
We’re used to controversy but this has been complete and utter turmoil.
I’m worried if George Abaraonye stays, there will be no future for the union.
How can you have a free speech society where the incoming president celebrates the death of a free speech activist?”
Speakers Withdraw and Donors Freeze Funds
The backlash has had real-world consequences. Several notable figures, including Candace Owens, Zia Yusuf, Calvin Klein, Serena Williams, and former New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, have withdrawn from scheduled events.
Meanwhile, donors have threatened to withhold funding, further intensifying the crisis.
Motion of No Confidence
In an unusual turn, Abaraonye has triggered a motion of no confidence against himself in an attempt to restore “true accountability.”
Oxford Union members voted on Saturday to decide whether to remove him from his president-elect role, which is set to begin in January.
Abaraonye hopes a favorable vote will allow him to continue in the role with renewed legitimacy.
A senior Oxford Union source confirmed that many upcoming speakers have been reassured that the current administration is no longer associated with Abaraonye.
A campaign by a group calling themselves the Concerned Alumni of the Oxford Union is pushing for his removal.
Abaraonye will be forced to step down if two-thirds of voters in the poll vote against him.
Historic Institution Under Pressure
Founded over 200 years ago, the Oxford Union is a debating society for Oxford students and alumni and operates independently of university management.
So far, the university has not taken any disciplinary action against Abaraonye.
An Oxford Union spokesperson told The Telegraph, “We invite a vast number of speakers, many of whom are unable to accommodate our invitation due to logistical reasons.
Every term, we have many people conjecturing over which speakers are coming or not.
The only people responsible for such deliberations are the senior members of the ongoing term’s committee, for they are the ones aware of scheduling and booking speakers.”