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Minister Andrew Bayly has apologised after a complaint he allegedly swore at, mocked and ridiculed a man during a ministerial visit to a business.
The complainant says it left him feeling “degraded, embarrassed and deeply disrespected”.
Bayly said he had “unreservedly apologised” to the person while Prime Minister Christopher Luxon says he still has confidence in the Minister – but has made it clear such actions can’t reoccur.
Bayly said: “I obviously got this completely wrong, and I have unreservedly apologised to the person concerned.
“It was unintentional, I meant the comments in a light-hearted manner, but I accept that they caused offence. I take responsibility for the situation, and I am sorry.
“I regret my actions. They fall well short of the behaviour expected of a Minister, and what I expect of myself. I have also apologised to the Prime Minister, and given him my assurance it will not happen again.”
In the complaint, the worker said Bayly told him to “take some wine and f*** off” home. The complainant also said Bayly repeatedly called him a “loser”.
In a statement, Luxon said he was disappointed in Bayly’s conduct.
NZ Herald
