A journalist and author has launched a scathing attack on the Oxford Union after his speech in defence of descended into chaos.
And Jonathan Sacerdoti claimed he was the victim of a “sham trial conducted mafia-style by disreputable kids in black tie” during which he was “abused, disrespected and attacked”.
Mr Sacerdoti, a regular commentator on current affairs whose television credits include the , Sky News and Fox News, had been invited to the Union to speak against a motion labelling “an apartheid state”.
However, he was only a few minutes into his speech when it erupted into a furious row, while Mr Sacerdoti was heckled throughout.
At one point, one woman shouts at Mr Sacerdoti that he was “a liar” before adding:”**** you, the genocidal mother******!”
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Jonathan Sacerdoti’s speech was interrupted by a furious row, and he was frequently heckled (Image: X)
Mr Sacerdoti, himself a former Oxford University student and member of the union, shared the full footage of his speech via X this morning, commenting: “Complete and uncensored.
“My speech defending at the Oxford Union.
“Includes all the parts the Oxford Union tried to hide and didn’t want you to see.”
He continued: “I was abused, disrespected and attacked. They had no intention of giving the debate a fair hearing. This was a sham trial conducted mafia style by disreputable kids in black tie.
Jonathan Sacerdoti said he had been censored by the Union initially (Image: X)
“I am a proud Jew. I defend the truth.”
In footage previously uploaded to Youtube, President of the Union, Ebrahim Osman-Mowafy, can be heard saying “the speaker is entitled to be heard in silence” before the audio cuts for two minutes.
The Oxford Union, one of the most prestigious debating societies in the world, has frequently found itself at the centre of controversies, often stemming from its invitation of contentious speakers.
Over the years, the Union has faced criticism for hosting individuals associated with extreme or divisive views, sparking debates about free speech versus the platforming of hate speech.
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President of the Union Ebrahim Osman-Mowafy is forced to intervene (Image: X)
Critics argue that inviting such figures, including far-right personalities and convicted criminals, can lend them undue legitimacy.
Supporters, however, claim that the Union’s commitment to robust debate and the airing of all perspectives is central to its mission.
These disputes have led to protests, high-profile resignations, and intense media scrutiny.
Internally, the Union has also been accused of fostering a culture of elitism and exclusivity, reflecting broader criticisms of Oxford University.
Complete and uncensoredMy speech defending Israel at the Oxford Union.Includes all the parts the Oxford Union tried to hide and didn’t want you to see.I was abused, disrespected and attacked. They had no intention of giving the debate a fair hearing. This was a sham trial…
— Jonathan Sacerdoti (@jonsac)
Allegations of misconduct, bullying, and discriminatory behaviour within the organisation have also been levelled from time to time.
As a result, calls for reform have grown louder, with many demanding greater accountability and inclusivity to ensure the Union remains a credible and ethical forum for debate.
Express.co.uk has contacted Counter Terrorism Policing South East following reports that it was investigating reports of an individual expressing support for a proscribed organisation during the course of the event.
The Oxford Union has also been contacted for comment.