Jared O’Mara – 2017 Statement on Hate Speech

Below is the text of the statement made by Jared O’Mara, the Labour MP for Sheffield Hallam, on 24 October 2017.

I am deeply ashamed of the comments I made online, which have emerged today.

I was wrong to make them; I understand why they are offensive and sincerely apologise for my use of such unacceptable language. I made the comments as a young man, at a particularly difficult time of my life, but that is no excuse.

Misogyny is a deep problem in our society. Since making those comments 15 years ago, I have learned about inequalities of power and how violent language perpetuates them. I continue to strive to be a better man and work where I can to confront misogyny, which is why I’m so proud to sit on the Women and Equalities Select Committee. I will continue to engage with, and crucially learn from, feminist and other equalities groups so as an MP I can do whatever I can to tackle misogyny.