It hasn’t been an easy first week in the public eye for newly elected Vancouver City Councillor Sean Orr after some social media posts from the past were brought to the public’s attention.
Orr says the aftermath of the social media storm has led to death threats.
The posts he made on X have been called antisemitic in nature by members of the public, other municipal politicians, and even the Jewish Federation of Greater Vancouver (JFGV).
One specific post has brought Orr the most attention, in which he wrote, “Everyone knows Vancouver city planners are controlled by a secret cabal of Jews who have a bunker in the earths core fml.”
That quote was a reply to another post.
Orr had this to say in response to the JFGV news release:
“In 2021, I sarcastically quoted the comedian David Cross while condemning an antisemitic dogwhistle on Twitter. I was defending Karm Sumal against the claim he was a ‘globalist shill.’ I have been outspoken over the years opposing all forms of racism including antisemitism.”
Even BC Conservative Party Leader John Rustad weighed in.
“This is some of the worst antisemitism we’ve seen from a public official in Vancouver, which is sadly a high bar to cross,” he said on X.
Some have been coming to Orr’s defence, claiming he’s currently the victim of a smear campaign.
This is the weakest, laziest, & frankly most hilarious smear attempt against a politician I’ve seen from an institution that considers itself serious. Do you have anyone on your team who understands the internet? This is obvious sarcasm from @seanorr. You even quoted his “FML” 😂 https://t.co/8r42f4wv7J pic.twitter.com/2cLD1hjCf8
— Anjali Appadurai (@AnjaliApp) April 9, 2025
It is sadly so predictable that this smear job against @seanorr happens because he won & dares to speak truth about genocide. Politically motivated smears like this are designed to silence people. It doesn’t work anymore. https://t.co/c3zBSqH0KE
— Libby Davies (@LibbyDavies) April 9, 2025
Orr, running under the COPE banner, was elected this past weekend and received over 30,000 votes, making him the top ticket in the Vancouver by-election, followed by Lucy Maloney.
Vancouver City Councillor Orr issues statement
Daily Hive reached out to Orr for comment about the allegations, and in response, he said he would be issuing a statement, which we have now obtained.
The statement from COPE includes the voices of political leaders and other groups with comments supporting Orr.
“Sean Orr has been a consistent voice of opposition to fascism, anti-semitism, and all manner of bigotry as part of his role as a writer, advocate, and public figure in Vancouver for over two decades. This was the case as a private citizen, and he will continue as a councillor,” the statement reads.
“The smears and knowing misrepresentations by CIJA, Ken Sim, and John Rustad have directly contributed to public and private death threats,” it adds.
Mayor Sim has also issued a statement.
“Elected officials have a responsibility to lead by example. There is no place for hate, antisemitism, or incitement in our city or in any level of government. Such language is unacceptable from anyone, let alone someone entrusted with public service and community leadership. As Mayor, I will not allow a Councillor to divide our City,” Sim said.
Sim’s statements add that the City is calling for and urging Orr to address the statements directly and transparently.
“Finally, to our team members here at the City of Vancouver who have raised concerns, know this – I am here for you, this Council is here for you.”
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