Boris Johnson’s adviser Andrew Sabisky quits over backlash for saying black people have lower IQ
- Self-proclaimed ‘super forecaster’ had previously also discussed benefits of forced contraception and genetic selection
- Sabisky says ‘media hysteria’ over old online comments means he has become distraction for government
An adviser to British Prime Minister Boris Johnson who had discussed the benefits of forced contraception quit on Monday, saying “media hysteria” about his old online posts meant he had become a distraction for the government.
Earlier, Johnson’s spokesman repeatedly refused to comment when asked about Andrew Sabisky, whose appointment drew widespread criticism after The Mail on Sunday newspaper reported statements made in his name online in 2014 and 2016.
In addition to posts on contraception, Sabisky also said data showed the US black population had lower IQ than white people and, in a 2016 interview with digital publication Schools Week, discussed the benefits of genetic selection.
Media reported Sabisky was hired following an unusual appeal earlier this year from Johnson’s senior adviser Dominic Cummings for “weirdos and misfits with odd skills” to help bring new ideas to Britain’s government.
His resignation is a blow to that effort, which had attracted criticism from those who said Cummings was sidestepping normal government recruitment processes.
“The media hysteria about my old stuff online is mad but I wanted to help [the government] not be a distraction,” Sabisky said on Twitter.
