In a surprising turn of events, a former Reform Party member has issued a public apology to Law and Home Affairs Minister K. Shanmugam for publishing false and libelous statements about his personal life, according to The Straits Times.
The individual, Mr Thaddeus Thomas, who previously used the TikTok handle “thaddeusthomas81,” not only acknowledged the fabricated nature of his claims but also expressed regret for his actions. Let’s delve into the details of this apology and its implications.
The TikTok Confession
On December 21, 2023, Mr Thaddeus Thomas took to TikTok to admit the falsehood of statements he had previously made regarding Minister K. Shanmugam’s alleged extramarital affair. In a note titled “Apology and Undertaking,” Thomas revealed that he intentionally published misleading information on August 17, 2023, with the intent to harm the minister’s reputation.
In a candid acknowledgment, Thomas confessed, “I admit that I intended to put up these falsehoods and acknowledge that those statements are false and completely without foundation.” This admission is a significant step in the right direction, as it not only clears the air but also serves as a lesson about the consequences of spreading misinformation.
Ignoring Legal Correspondence
Thomas further disclosed that he intentionally ignored a letter from Minister Shanmugam’s lawyers, sent via Facebook Messenger on August 25. In his apology note, Thomas admitted to hoping that the minister wouldn’t be able to identify or reach him. This deliberate disregard for legal correspondence raises questions about the initial motives behind the false claims.
The apology comes in the wake of Minister Shanmugam’s legal actions against TikTok. The minister had sought court orders to compel the social media platform to disclose information about three users, including “thaddeusthomas81,” who had posted false allegations of the extramarital affair. The involvement of legal authorities underscores the severity of spreading false information online.
In a surprising revelation, Thomas disclosed his former affiliation with the Reform Party at the time of making these false statements. He expressed regret for listening to advice and encouragement that led to the creation of the deceptive TikTok post. This revelation may prompt further scrutiny of the role played by political affiliations in the spread of misinformation.
Source: Thaddeus Thomas on Facebook