“70% of hell is going to be women."
An aspiring Birmingham MP has apologised after remarks he made about women were labelled “misogynistic” and “disturbing”.
Akhmed Yakoob, who is standing as an Independent candidate, made the comments during the Minted Minds podcast.
The podcast aired in March 2024 and brought together voices from across Birmingham to discuss Palestine.
But the conversation between Mr Yakoob, Hall Green Independent candidate Shakeel Afsar, The Apprentice 2024 contestant Dr Asif Munaf, Coventry-based restaurant owners Mohammed “Sunny” Sarnwal and Waqas “Vic” Mohammed veered onto the topic of masculinity and women.
When Dr Munfa suggested that followers of Dajjaal would be “empowered” women, Mr Yakoob added:
“70% of hell is going to be women.”
While discussing their perceptions of gender roles, Mr Yakoob said:
“I’ve got nothing against women, I love women, I love my wife.
“But everyone has got a role in society, everyone has got a role in the household.
“In my household, I’m the man, I’m the king. I call the shots, and my Mrs, Alhamdulillah, listens to me and is appreciative.
“It’s natural for men to be attracted to females, so keep our queens at home.”
While the comments were edited out of the final cut that appears on the Minted Minds’ YouTube page, a full version of the conversation has circulated online.
After the comments came to light, the Muslim Women’s network condemned the “deeply disturbing” statements and said the “spread of misogynistic attitudes online and in public discussions fuels violence against women and girls”.
A spokesperson for the charity said: “With women making up half of the population in every constituency and many areas having a significant number of Muslim women voters, their voices will be pivotal in this general election.
“We strongly encourage all women to closely examine candidates’ positions on crucial issues such as violence against women and girls (VAWG) and equality.
“We also urge all parliamentary candidates to condemn violence against women and girls (VAWG) and misogyny, and to commit to improving the safety of women in all communities.”
Mr Yakoob, who is hoping to represent Ladywood and is known as the “TikTok lawyer”, previously shared videos in support of controversial influencer Andrew Tate.
Apologising for his comments, Mr Yakoob said:
“I am mortified to listen back to this recording.”
“While banter in an informal setting can often be crude, I should have refused to take part, since the tone of that discussion represents everything I stand against.
“Voters in Ladywood will not fall for attempts to distract them from the tens of thousands of civilian women who have been killed in Gaza.
“But I have learned lessons from this and wish to wholeheartedly apologise.
“My promise to the women of Ladywood is that, in fighting misogyny, they will always have an ally in me.”
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