Former Conservative MP and academic Rory Stewart has become an internet sensation after an intense stare at a fellow panellist on BBC Newsnight went viral. The incident, which occurred during an episode broadcast last week, has prompted widespread reaction and humorous commentary across social media platforms.
The Viral Newsnight Moment
During the programme, Rory Stewart, 53, was discussing his concerns about the dominance of the US and China in AI technology. When host Matt Chorley asked Ailbhe Rea, the political editor of the New Statesman, about Westminster’s efforts on the issue, Mr Stewart abruptly turned in his chair and fixed an intense gaze on Ms Rea. Moments later, he appeared to compose himself and drank from a mug he was holding, according to The Telegraph.
Public Reaction and Memes
The unusual interaction quickly caught the attention of social media users, leading to a surge of humorous posts and the creation of new reaction GIFs. Comments included: “Ladies. Find a man who looks at you like Rory looks at the political editor of the New Statesman,” and “When your dad said it’s up to your mum if you can get an ice cream from the van.” Another user remarked, “I can’t stop laughing. What was he doing?”, while others suggested the moment should become a new GIF, as reported by Metro.co.uk.
Stewart’s Urgent AI Warning
The intense moment occurred as Mr Stewart was articulating serious concerns about AI. He warned: “The big question around what the UK does – on a global level the US and China must begin to get regulation in place for safety on AI. These things could be phenomenally dangerous but it’s the US and China who are driving the frontier labs.” He questioned how Britain could avoid becoming “completely dependent on the US and China if we build all of our military, all of our hospitals, all of our businesses on American and Chinese AI, and they have the kill-switch, and all the value goes to them? It’s terrifying.”
Previous Social Media Incidents
This is not the first time Rory Stewart’s online presence has attracted significant public discussion. In 2019, while campaigning in Hartlepool for the Conservative leadership, he posted a series of selfies. These included images where he appeared smiling next to white constituents but frowning next to a black man, which was widely shared and discussed online. He also gained notoriety for his #RoryWalks selfie videos and admitted to faking a selfie video in Kew Gardens.
About Rory Stewart
Prior to his viral Newsnight appearance, Mr Stewart, who was the Conservative MP for Penrith And The Border from 2010 to 2019, has had a distinguished career. His achievements include lecturing at Yale University, pioneering an award-winning podcast, and teaching himself one of Afghanistan’s languages during his travels through the country.
