Jack Maynard apologises after rape tweets resurface
The YouTube star was axed from I'm A Celebrity as controversy around his historic tweets brewed.
YouTube sensation Jack Maynard has come out with an apology for a Tweet he posted in 2011 in which he had made inappropriate rape jokes.
The Sun reported the shocking tweet that read: "If you get me to 1500 followers by tomorrow, I will kiss you... most likely rape you though."
Maynard was 16-years-old when he Tweeted this.
In another Tweet from the same year, the now 23-year-old had replied to a fan saying: "I raped her... ha ha."
Following the report, Maynard, who is the younger brother of pop star Conor Maynard, came out with an apology on Twitter.
"Nothing can justify the language I used, there is no defence - I am truly sorry. My childish attitude back then is not a representation of my thoughts and feelings now.
"I was young, naive and stupid - but as I said previously, age is no excuse. My immaturity meant that I didn't stop for a second to think whether these comments would hurt or harm anyone - something I have learnt is entirely wrong.
"I take full responsibility and regret my mistakes. As an adult, I understand the effect my words have on people, whether I have a big or small platform to speak from. Again, I am so sorry to anyone I have offended or disappointed," Maynard said.
(1/4) I have taken some time to reflect on the comments, tweets and ultimately my behaviour in the past, including a tweet sent in 2011 that is the subject of a story today...
— Jack Maynard (@Jack_Maynard23) November 28, 2017
(2/4) I was young, naive and stupid – but as I said previously, age is no excuse. My immaturity meant that I didn't stop for a second to think whether these comments would hurt or harm anyone - something I have learnt is entirely wrong.
— Jack Maynard (@Jack_Maynard23) November 28, 2017
(3/4) If I had just thought for a moment, about how stupid they were, I would never have sent them. Nothing can justify the language I used, there is no defence – I am truly sorry. My childish attitude back then is not a representation of my thoughts and feelings now.
— Jack Maynard (@Jack_Maynard23) November 28, 2017
(4/4) I take full responsibility and regret my mistakes. As an adult, I understand the effect my words have on people, whether I have a big or small platform to speak from. Again, I am so sorry to anyone I have offended or disappointed.
— Jack Maynard (@Jack_Maynard23) November 28, 2017
This comes one week after Maynard was prematurely evicted from I'm A Celebrity on 21 November. After homophobic and racist tweets he sent in 2011 and 2012 resurfaced online, the YouTube star was forced to pull out of the show.
Maynard had allegedly sent messages to a teenage girl on Facebook asking her to send pictures of her in a bra and even called her an "ugly freak" when the girl declined to do so.
The Sun also published a series of Maynard's past tweets in which he had insulted gay men and used the N-word. He is also accused for calling other users "retarded" and "f***ots".
Maynard had earlier released a video apology on 23 November.
After he expressed regret on Twitter, most of Maynard's fans seem to have accepted his apology as they sent messages of support:
You have already apologized to us, Please don't feel down it was the past. You have changed to a much better person. We will be here waiting for your return with open https://t.co/zzFRM6Zps3 are so sweet,And make me the happiest person. We love you so much !! â¤ï¸
— Jack_and_Conor_Maynard (@Maynards_World) November 28, 2017
it takes guts to actually admit you’ve done something wrong and i respect and admire you so fucking much for publicity apologising.. you are a huge inspiration to me. you havent let anyone down, i promise. i love you so much
— jordy (@finnwlffhard) November 28, 2017
So much respect & always supporting you JackðŸ™ðŸ¼ come back strong, don’t let this defeat you, you’re a good person & the people that matter know it x
— owen (@TheOwenChild) November 28, 2017
