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An Assistant Minister, who came under fire for posting comments about Oprah Winfrey that were branded “racist” and “misogynistic", has agreed to delete his tweet to avoid what he describes as “distraction” from "vital" Government work.
Deputy Lindsay Ash’s decision came after discussions with the Chief Minister, Senator John Le Fondré, who said the “matter is closed”.
A spokesperson for the Commissioner for Standards, Paul Kernaghan MBE - who is responsible for investigating potential breaches of States Members' Code of Conduct - also told Express that he had received several complaints. However, he decided not to undertake an investigation.
"His views on social media disputes are a matter of public record, namely that he would only investigate such a complaint where aggravating factors, such as obscene language, or clear evidence of malicious intent, were present," the spokesperson said.
Pictured: Deputy Ash agreed to delete the tweet following discussion with the Chief Minister, Senator John Le Fondré.
In a tweet posted on Monday, which was International Women’s Day, the St. Clement representative had likened US television host Oprah Winfrey to footballer Ian Wright in drag, following her interview with Prince Harry and the Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle.
“This Harry and Megan interview seems to have caused a bit of a furore, what baffles me is why Ian Wright dressed up as Mrs Doubtfire to do it,” Deputy Ash said, repeating similar comparisons made by other Twitter users, who themselves appeared to be quoting former comedian, Jim Davidson.
Following this, users called the Deputy out on the comments, with various responses labelling them as “reprehensible”, and “wrong on so many levels.”
Citizens’ Advice Chief Malcolm Ferey was among the ones urging Deputy Ash to delete his tweets.
"Instead of expending any more energy trying to justify it, perhaps it’s time to just do the decent thing. Recognise that it was an ill conceived and badly timed joke (if that’s genuinely what it was), then take the post down and apologise," Mr Ferey said.
Many other individuals questioned whether such behaviour on social media - which was later covered in articles in national news outlets, including the Daily Mail - was appropriate for an elected representative.
There are those on here who have construed my earlier Tweet as being misogynistic &/or racist ,in my opinion it is neither of these things . It was a mere observation on 2 people's looks .that may be unfunny ,it may be harsh on the 2 involved it is not misogynistic or racist tho
— LINDSAY ASH (@Getonthelash2) March 8, 2021
Deputy Ash defended his comments as “observational comedy”, which will “amuse some and offend those who wish to find it offensive.”
In a follow-up tweet, he further refuted claims that his initial comment was sexist or racist, claiming it was “neither of those things”, and that it was “merely an observation” on two people’s looks.
Deputy Jess Perchard, the Assistant Minister for the Environment, waded in the issue earlier today describing the situation as “disappointing and embarrassing”, while sharing a link to a podcast in which Ian Wright discussed why the joke was inapprorpriate.
It’s so disappointing and embarrassing for the island that a senior leader has made national news for sexist and racist commentary. @IanWright0 explains why the ‘joke’ about him & @Oprah’s appearance is not banter & not funny. Listen to what he has to say & #educateyourself. https://t.co/jDLytawIyf
— JessPerchard (@JessePerchard) March 10, 2021
This afternoon, Deputy Ash published a statement on this Twitter profile saying his tweet had been shared with both the Commissioner of Standards and the Chief Minister who both concluded “he had breached no rules”.
He said he had however decided to delete his tweet to avoid “distraction”.
“I am doing this as both the [Chief Minister] & I feel that it detracts from the vital work the Government are now involved in for the good of the Island,” he said.
“Amongst which is the delivery of a new Hospital which is at a crucial juncture & I would hate to be the cause of such a distraction.”
STATEMENT REGARDING "INTERVIEW TWEET". (1 of 2)
— LINDSAY ASH (@Getonthelash2) March 10, 2021
The issue of my Tweet has been raised with both the Commissioner of Standards and the Chief Minister who both concluded I had breached no rules.
I have though decided to remove the Tweet from my account.
(2 of 2)
— LINDSAY ASH (@Getonthelash2) March 10, 2021
I am doing this as both the CM & I feel that it detracts from the vital work the Government are now involved in for the good of the Island .Amongst which is the delivery of a new Hospital which is at a crucial juncture & I would hate to be the cause of such a distraction
In a statement, the Chief Minister said he spoken with Deputy Ash about his tweet.
“We have agreed that the best course of action would be for him to delete it,” he said. “He has assured me that there was no intention on his part to offend or upset anyone, and as far as I am concerned the matter is closed.”
The issue of online conduct is currently a hot topic locally.
Last week, a Guernsey Deputy was suspended after an Express investigation revealed him to be behind a fake account posing as a member of the public, trolling deputies and accusing Holocaust historian, Dr Gilly Carr, of being "not local" and to "leave Guernsey alone."
Meanwhile, after Deputy Inna Gardiner was targeted by a covid death threat last month, Jersey's Chief Minister has requested that civil servants, in consultation with the Police and the Law Officers’ Department, draft up new guidance around online abuse.
Discussing the new guidance last week, Senator Le Fondré said it would be “designed to offer greater clarity and certainty and therefore greater protection to islanders”.
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