A university college master has said the president-elect of Oxford Union, who appeared to celebrate Charlie Kirk's killing, did not go against free speech policies, GB News understands.
George Abaraonye appeared to send a celebratory message to a WhatsApp group chat after the news emerged that the Conservative activist had been shot during an event at Utah Valley University.
The leaked messages, which have been widely shared on social media, appeared to show Mr Abaraonye writing: "Charlie Kirk got shot, let’s f****** go."
A separate message, believed to be from his Instagram account, read: 2Charlie Kirk got shot loool" - an elongated version of the "laugh out loud" acronym.
After the leaked messages sparked furious backlash across social media, Mr Abaraonye set his account to private, preventing anyone from accessing his posts.
Baroness Valerie Amos, who is the Master of University College at the University of Oxford, has said Mr Abaraonye's comments do not violate any relevant policies - including free speech.
In a message seen by GB News, Baroness Amos said: "Though Mr Abaraonye's comments are abhorrent, they do not contravene the College's policies on free speech, or any other relevant policy.
"Therefore, no disciplinary action will be taken."
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George Abaraonye appeared to celebrate Charlie Kirk's killing
| OXFORD ACSThe Oxford Union has said the soon-to-be president's reported views "do not represent current leadership or committee's view".
A statement read: "The Oxford Union would like to unequivocally condemn the reported words and sentiments expressed by the President-Elect, George Abaraonye, with regard to the passing of Charlie Kirk.
"His reported views do not represent the Oxford Union's current leadership or committee's view."
Daniel Eldridge, member of the Standing Committee at Oxford's Keble College, said violence should "never be a cause for celebration" in response to the leaked messages.
College master Baroness Valerie Amos said the statements did not go against free speech policies, GB News understands
|PA
He said: "It’s heartbreaking that the Oxford Union, built on free speech, was used to cheer its destruction.
"These were the words of one individual: they do not reflect the views of the current institution or its members.
"Whatever you think of Charlie Kirk’s views, his killing was a crime and a tragedy. It wasn’t just murder; it was an attack on the fundamental principle of democracy: free speech.
"Charlie died defending that ideal, and indeed this is the Union’s purpose.
Oxford Union has said Mr Abaraonye's reported views do not represent 'current leadership or committee's view'
| GETTY"Free speech exists to test ideas, reveal truth, and change minds. Free speech should never be a vehicle for violence, and violence should never be a cause for celebration."
Mr Abaraonye had engaged in a debate with Mr Kirk at the Oxford Union in May, just one month before he was elected president of the prestigious society.
The debate centred around the issue of "toxic masculinity", which saw the pair butt heads over its consequences on young men and women.