Liberal MP and incumbent candidate Ryan Turnbull has issued a public apology after an exclusive Juno News report resurfaced a series of highly offensive and sexually explicit Facebook comments from 2008.
Turnbull’s public apology does not mention the content of the derogatory messages he posted on social media.
The remarks, which include crude references and language widely understood as derogatory toward the LGBTQ2+ community, were uncovered by Keean Bexte.
The thread features Turnbull engaging in a bizarre back-and-forth with friends, using the f-slur and graphic terms that mocked gay men.
“I have recently been informed of 17-year-old comments from my Facebook page that are completely inappropriat and offensive. My intention has always been to push back on homophobia, but I realize that impact is more important than intent and for this reason, I apologize unreservedly,” wrote Turnbull in a statement posted on X.
“To be crystal clear, I fully support the 2SLGBTQI+ community and believe as a core value that in Canada we must work to protect the right to be who you are and love who you love. This is fundamental to who we are as Canadians!”
One post referred to the term “fagotization”, paired with commentary about bodily fluids and sexual acts. Despite the apology, Turnbull has not responded to specific questions from Juno News, nor has he challenged the authenticity of the screenshots.
The posts appear to show the now-sitting MP posing in front of an Eiffel Tower backdrop, followed by an extended comment thread that ridicules gay men with sexually vulgar terms.
Liberal Leader Mark Carney has yet to comment on or denounce Turnbull’s behaviour.
As of publication, neither Turnbull nor party leadership have clarified whether he will remain on the ballot.
