Canadian MP ‘utterly mortified’ after appearing naked on video conference
15 April 2021, 16:34
Canadian MP William Amos said the incident was an “honest mistake”.
A Canadian MP is said to be “utterly mortified” after being caught naked on camera in a virtual meeting of the House of Commons.
William Amos, who has represented the Quebec district of Pontiac since 2015, appeared on the screens of his fellow lawmakers completely naked on Wednesday.
In a statement, Mr Amos said: “This was an unfortunate error.
“My video was accidentally turned on as I was changing into my work clothes after going for a jog. I sincerely apologize to my colleagues in the House of Commons for this unintentional distraction.
“Obviously, it was an honest mistake and it won’t happen again.”
A screenshot obtained by The Canadian Press shows Amos standing naked behind a desk, however his video was was visible only to Parliament members and staffers on an internal video conference feed. Because he was not speaking, his image did not show up on the public feed.
Liberal Party colleague Mark Holland said Amos was “utterly mortified.”
Mr Holland said: “I don’t think there was any ill intent. It’s certainly an unfortunate circumstance.
“This is a warning to everybody. You’ve got to really always assume that camera is on and be very careful any time you wander anywhere near that camera that you’re dressed appropriately.”
Claude DeBellefeuille, a legislator for the opposition Bloc Quebecois party, raised the incident in a point of order after question period, suggesting that parliamentary decorum requires male Parliament members to wear a jacket and tie – and a shirt, underwear and trousers.
