A lawmaker in Canada has apologized after he appeared naked on a virtual legislative meeting video feed.
Liberal MP William Amos, 46, who represents parts of Quebec, was spotted completely nude during the House of Commons meetings, flanked by a Canadian and Quebec flag on either side.
Video feed of the meeting was publicly broadcast, but Amos did not appear in it as he was not speaking, CTV News. It’s not clear who managed to grab the shot and send it to the press.
Amos, who is married with two kids, has since apologized for the ‘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.’
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Liberal MP William Amos, 46, who represents parts of Quebec, was spotted completely nude during the House of Commons meetings, flanked by a Canadian and Quebec flag on either side
Pictured: A screenshot showing William Amos appearing naked during Wednesday’s meeting
Amos’ revealing appearance has been the subject of many jokes and mockery from his colleagues.
Bloc Quebecois Party Whip Claude DeBellefeuille mentioned the incident as a point of order during the meaning, ragging on Amos.
‘It may be necessary to remind the members, especially the male ones, that a tie and jacket are obligatory, but so are a shirt, boxer shorts or pants,’ DeBellefeuille said in French.
‘We have seen that the member is in great physical shape, but I think members should be reminded to be careful and control the camera well.’
‘I don’t think there was any ill intent – it’s certainly an unfortunate circumstance,’ said Liberal whip Mark Holland.
‘I think it’s part of the circumstances of the world we’re in right now, where the line between our home and our office place is so blurred and trying to manage that is sometimes challenging.’
Amos, who serves as the parliamentary secretary to Industry Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne, has represented Pontiac, Quebec since 2015.
William Amos pictured with his wife, with whom Amos shares two children
‘This is a warning to everybody,’ Holland added. ‘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.’
According to the CBC, the Canadian Parliament has been operating in a hybrid fashion since May due to the coronavirus.
The COVID-19 pandemic has normalized the use of video conferencing software such as Zoom, which has created some strange incidents, from the loved ones of politicians appearing naked to insults being caught on hot mics.
There was also the memorable time a lawyer appeared with the face of a cat during a Zoom, forcing him to clarify that he was not actually a cat.