Article content

Western University’s president has issued an apology for “unacceptable” comments made by a Grammy-nominated music producer who received an honorary degree at the school’s graduation ceremony Monday.

This is the second time in less than a year the university has made a public apology for controversial remarks made during convocation.

We apologize, but this video has failed to load.

tap here to see other videos from our team. Try refreshing your browser, or Western University apologizes for musician's convocation speech that degraded women Back to video

Stephan Moccio, a music composer, writer and pianist who has penned songs for Celine Dion and Miley Cyrus, addressed graduates and their families at Alumni Hall for Western University’s 313 convocation on Monday.

Moccio, who received an honorary doctorate in music, started his 13-minute address by recalling a sign he saw upon arriving in London to begin his studies nearly three decades ago.

“My earliest memory of driving in off the 401 with a sign that said, ‘Thank you fathers for dropping off your virgin daughters,'” he said to muted laughter.

The St. Catharines native went on to recite a song about Western’s Delaware Hall – an all-female residence until 1986 – calling the jingle an “iconic piece of music.”

“Ooh-ah, deli is the res, ooh-ah, deli is the res, you move to the left, you move to the right, peel your banana and oomph take a bite,” Moccio said, again to awkward laughter.

Western moved swiftly to condemn Moccio’s remarks on Monday. A statement from President Amit Chakma, released in the late afternoon, called the comments “unacceptable and not in keeping with what Western values in a respectful learning and working environment.

“To the entire Western community, I sincerely apologize to those who attended the ceremony and any others who were offended by these remarks and the subsequent distraction it caused,” Chakma said in the statement.

“Western must remain steadfast in its commitment to creating a safe and respectful environment for all.”

Western officials didn’t respond to an interview request.

Moccio also apologized Monday night, saying his words undermine progress in women’s issues on campus.

“I apologize without hesitation to the entire Western community, graduates, family and friends in attendance today,” he said in a statement issued through Western.

“I realize the words chosen were not only wrong, but undermine decades of work on this very campus to bring justice to important women’s issues. I will strive to better represent the values of my beloved alma mater in the future.”

Attempts to reach Moccio for an interview were unsuccessful.