Ted Yoho resigns from board of Christian group in wake of AOC confrontation

Hunger organisation asked for resignation as GOP rep’s remarks ‘are not reflective of the ethical standards expected’, it says

Republican representative Ted Yoho has resigned from the board of a Christian organisation that works to end hunger following his “verbal attack” on Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, in which he allegedly called her a “f***ing b***h”.

The bipartisan group, called Bread for the World, said in a statement that its board met with Mr Yoho on Friday and asked for his resignation “as an action that reaffirms our commitment to coming alongside women and people of colour, nationally and globally, as they continue to lead us to a more racially inclusive and equitable world”.

“We believe that Rep. Ted Yoho’s recent actions and words as reported in the media are not reflective of the ethical standards expected of members of our Board of Directors,” they added.

Mr Yoho was accused of using abusive language against Ms Ocasio-Cortez during a confrontation with her last week on the steps of the Capitol.

He maintained he did not use the words as quoted and said in a speech to the House floor on Wednesday: “If they were construed that way I apologise for their misunderstanding.

“It is true that we disagree on policies and visions for America, but that does not mean we should be disrespectful. Having been married for 45 years with two daughters, I’m very cognisant of the language I use,” he added.

The day after, Ms Ocasio-Cortez made a powerful speech condemning Mr Yoho’s remarks, which she said reflects a “culture of lack of impunity, of accepting violence and violent language against women, and an entire structure of power against women”.

“Mr Yoho mentioned that he has a wife and two daughters – I am two years younger than Mr Yoho’s youngest daughter,” she added. “I am someone’s daughter, too.”

Her speech prompted over a dozen colleagues to join her in condemning the pervasive sexism experienced by women by men in the halls of Congress and US society as a whole.

Speaker Nancy Pelosi, the highest-ranking elected female official in US history, told reporters on Thursday: “There’s no limit to the disrespect or the lack of acknowledgement of the strength of women.

“Nothing is more wholesome for our government, for our politics, for our country, than the increased participation of women. And women will be treated with respect.”