MP blames lack of focus for nudity
OTTAWA • Liberal MP William Amos says he mistakenly appeared naked twice during virtual House of Commons proceedings because of issues with "hyperactive multitasking” and a “lack of focus” and not because of any “mental health disorder.”
“I put everyone in such an embarrassing situation, but I want to clarify that though those two incidents were embarrassing, they do not define me. These were not circumstances driven by personal gain, ill intent, unethical or a morally reprehensible act,” Amos said in French according to clips posted by local media outlets in his Pontiac riding.
Amos, who was flanked by his wife, spoke to a small group of select regional and local media during a virtual press conference on Wednesday in his riding, which covers a large territory in Quebec just North-west of Ottawa. National media were not invited to attend the virtual event or ask questions.
It was the first time that he spoke to reporters after going on leave because he was caught urinating into a cup on camera during House of Commons proceedings on May 28.
This happened less than two months after a screenshot of him appearing completely naked on a similar feed during question period was widely circulated by media around the world.
During his press conference, Amos said that he had consulted a team of medical professionals including a family doctor, a psychologist, an occupational therapist and a psychotherapist following the second incident.
“The first evaluations from my health team suggest that I don’t have any mental health disorder,” Amos said, according to a clip posted online by local radio station CHGA 97.3.
Rather, he says they concluded that he “insists too much on trying to do too many things at the same time” and that his propensity for “hyperactive multitasking” and a “lack of focus” are an “important professional vulnerability.”
According to multiple media outlets, Amos confirmed that he wants to run again in the next federal election but would not confirm that he would be the Liberals’ candidate when the writ is dropped possibly as early as next month.
To prevent a third instance of accidental nudity while attending parliamentary proceedings, Amos says he is following a “wellness plan” recommended by his team of health professionals, according to Gatineau Hills media outlet The Low Down.