NOTE: This article contains offensive language.
A women’s shelter in Halifax has raised concerns about a song recorded over a decade ago by Energy Minister Marco MacLeod, citing its “violent” and misogynistic lyrics as grounds for him to be ineligible for public office.
CBC News verified that MacLeod was involved in a song titled George Jones under the alias Meadowville, as initially reported by Frank Magazine and allNovaScotia.com. The song was removed from streaming platforms after CBC acquired a copy.
The song’s lyrics feature derogatory terms like “sluts,” “hoes,” and “bitches.”
Adsum House, a women’s shelter based in Halifax, expressed disgust at the content of the song, emphasizing that MacLeod was not a minor when the songs were produced.
According to Adsum House, MacLeod was in his 20s when the songs were recorded and in his thirties when they were made available on streaming services.
The exact age of MacLeod at the time of recording remains unknown.
Adsum House underscored the need to reject the notion of excusing such behavior as youthful indiscretion, stating that individuals promoting such content should be disqualified from holding public positions regardless of age.
Adsum House condemned the offensive language used by the minister in a social media statement. (Adsum House/Facebook)
MacLeod entered office through a by-election in 2024 and subsequently won re-election in the same year.
Prior to the release of Adsum House’s statement, the PC Party’s caucus office acknowledged that the song was recorded between 2009 and 2013 during MacLeod’s younger years, containing language that may be considered inappropriate.
In response, MacLeod clarified that the song reflected a past era’s cultural references and language that he no longer endorses.
Adsum House highlighted that there were multiple songs with objectionable content, not just one.
The party caucus later expressed regret over two of the four songs, acknowledging the disrespectful language used towards women.
Mass Casualty Commission
Adsum House referenced a report from the Mass Casualty Commission, which identified gender-based violence as a pervasive issue, emphasizing the need for accountability in addressing such behavior.
The group rejected the idea of excusing MacLeod’s actions due to his alleged youth, stressing that responsibility must be acknowledged for promoting harmful beliefs.
Premier’s office
When contacted for a response to Adsum House’s statement, the premier’s office directed queries to the caucus office, highlighting similar incidents involving other politicians like Wab Kinew and Jaime Battiste.
Marco MacLeod issued an apology on social media, accompanied by a handwritten note.
