The Conservative party has called off an internal probe into how a misogynistic phrase was quietly used to promote Pierre Poilievre’s YouTube videos, as the political pressure mounts on Poilievre for an explanation and apology.
Global News reported Thursday that the phrase – #mgtow, or “Men Going Their Own Way” – was hidden in hundreds of Poilievre’s videos since early 2018. Read more: Pierre Poilievre’s YouTube channel included hidden misogynistic tag to promote videos The #mgtow movement includes men that attempt to cut women completely out of their lives, but anti-hate researchers have noted it can overlap with other forms of “male supremacy,” including the involuntary celibate or “incel” movement.
The tag helped promote Poilievre’s videos — such as his recent tribute to Queen Elizabeth II, videos from his leadership rallies and his messages on inflation and affordability — but was not visible to viewers.
After Global News approached Poilievre’s team on Tuesday about the videos, they scrubbed the tag from his videos and began an internal probe.