Exclusive: Radio host says he meant ‘no violence’ toward New Zealand PM with his ‘shove a sock down throat’ comment and asks Ardern to a debate on climate change

Australian broadcaster Alan Jones’s apology letter to the New Zealand prime minister, Jacinda Ardern, spells out he never intended “violence” towards her, and wished no harm on her and her family.

It includes the broadcaster pitching for an interview with Ardern despite earlier saying he would “puke” if he saw her again on TV.

Last month Jones, of Sydney radio station 2GB, suggested that the Australian prime minister, Scott Morrison, should “shove a sock” down the throat of the New Zealand leader to silence her views on climate change.

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Jones said: “This lightweight New Zealand prime minster, Jacinda Ardern, is challenging Scott Morrison over climate change. Now I hope Scott Morrison gets tough here with a few backhanders … hasn’t got a clue this woman.”

Jones’s comments were condemned as violent and misogynistic by women’s rights groups on both sides of the Tasman, and more than 100 brands have since pulled advertising from his program. Morrison also condemned the comments.

On 16 August Jones penned an apology letter to the New Zealand PM, saying he never intended to cause offence, which has been released to the Guardian under an Official Information Request – New Zealand’s version of FOI.

“My dear Prime Minister,” the letter begins.

Jones says he and Ardern’s opinions on climate change “differ significantly” and his comments, which don’t need to be repeated, “didn’t come out quite as I intended”.

“Prime Minister, I would like to assure you that I did not intend to suggest any violence towards you,” he writes. “While I may disagree with your stance on climate change, I would never wish any harm to you.

“I had meant to say ‘put a sock in it’ and my actual words were taken literally by some who took offence on your behalf.

“Please accept my sincere apology for the words spoken, and I hope that my intentions are, at least now, clear.”

Jones goes on to say that, if she so wishes, he is happy to discuss the matter by telephone with the PM – and then pitches for an on-air interview.

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“I would also like to extend a standing invitation to participate in an interview on my programme, which would allow us to constructively debate the issue of climate change,” he writes. “Again, my sincerest apologies and please know I wish you and your family only the best.”

Ardern did not take up Jones’s offer of a follow-up phone call, or the invitation to appear on his radio program. She has repeatedly refused to condemn the comments and told New Zealand’s AM show in August that he had a right to air his opinions.

“I understand that he of course used to be closely linked to the Wallabies so let’s just say that I think that revenge is best served through a Bledisloe Cup,” Ardern said. “I don’t have an opinion on every single person who says something about me. And particularly given this is an Australian commentator, we’ve got enough of our own to occupy my time without me having to jump into something that an Aussie says.”

Play Video 1:05 Alan Jones quizzed over slurs against Jacinda Ardern: 'You had better ask a woman that' – video

• This article was amended on 19 September 2019 to correct an inaccuracy in a quotation – “assure”, not “ensure”.