New Zealand’s Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has apologized for a derogatory remark about an opposition politician – and has now settled the dispute with a joint initiative. The 42-year-old had described the leader of the right-liberal ACT party, David Seymour, as an “arrogant prick” (arrogant ass) in a parliamentary debate on Tuesday.
The statement wasn’t meant to be made public, but Ardern didn’t realize her microphone was still on. That’s what the whole chamber heard, and that’s how it was recorded in the official minutes of Parliament.
Insults are now for a good cause
The Prime Minister had already apologized to Seymour. On Thursday, both announced that they would sign a framed printout of the recording and auction it online for a good cause. The money should benefit a foundation that takes care of prostate cancer patients.
“We managed to laugh at the incident and hatched a plan to raise money for a good cause,” said Seymour, 39. “The beauty of this fundraiser is that it appeals to everyone. People who don’t like me, people who like me, people who don’t like Jacinda and people who like her – but especially people who hate prostate cancer,” he said he.
