The British Foreign Ministry has removed Ambassador Jon Benjamin from his post in Mexico after a controversial video surfaced showing him jokingly pointing a high-powered rifle at staff in a vehicle. The UK government’s website now refers to Benjamin as the former ambassador to Mexico, with no further details provided.
When asked about the incident, the government stated that appropriate action has been taken and that internal issues are being addressed through robust HR processes. The video, reportedly filmed in Durango, Mexico, shows Benjamin smiling while holding what appears to be an assault rifle and pointing it at colleagues in the back seat, eliciting laughter and surprise gestures.
Benjamin, a 35-year career diplomat with experience in various countries, previously served as the UK’s representative in Chile, Ghana, Turkey, Indonesia, and the United States. He is known for his work in teaching diplomatic and linguistic skills to implement UK foreign policy.
Despite his extensive career, the controversy surrounding the video has led to his removal as the ambassador to Mexico. The details of his departure remain unclear, but the incident has raised questions about his conduct in the diplomatic sphere.
© Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.