Wildrose leader Brian Jean apologizing for comment about Rachel Notley

Fallout from Wildrose leader’s beating comment Chris Epp gathers reaction to Brian Jean’s attempt at making a joke condoning physical violence against Premier Notley

According to a media report out of Fort McMurray, Wildrose leader Brian Jean is apologizing for an ‘inappropriate’ joke he made about Rachel Notley during a town hall meeting in the community on Tuesday night.

Fort McMurray Today, a local newspaper, says Jean was responding to a question when he made the comment.

“I’ve been beating this drum for 10, 11 years. I’ll continue to beat it, I promise, but it’s against the law to beat Rachel Notley,” he said.

According to the paper, some people laughed while others gasped in shock.

The newspaper reports that Jean immediately backtracked on the joke and complimented Notley on her work for seniors.

Following the meeting, Jean’s office issued a formal apology.

“During my town hall I made an inappropriate attempt at humour that I promptly apologized for. Jokes of this nature are never acceptable and I hold myself to a higher standard,” he said.