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Georgetown Today
By the People, for the People
Georgetown Professor Faces Backlash for Dismissing Concerns About Muslim 'Rape Gangs'
Jonathan A.C. Brown told critics to 'get over it' when discussing the link between Islam and the UK's rape gang crisis.
Apr. 7, 2026 at 10:33pm
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The controversy surrounding a Georgetown professor's dismissive comments about Muslim 'rape gangs' exposes deep divisions and the need for nuanced dialogue on sensitive issues.Georgetown TodayA Georgetown University professor is facing intense criticism for his dismissive comments about concerns over Muslim 'rape gangs' in the United Kingdom. Professor Jonathan A.C. Brown, the chair of Islamic Civilization at Georgetown, responded to a post about the link between Islam and the UK's rape gang crisis by telling the critic to 'get over it.' Brown doubled down on his remarks when another user called them 'absurdly evil.' The professor has since made his social media account private, but his comments have sparked outrage and calls for his removal from the university.
Why it matters
Brown's remarks have drawn widespread condemnation for appearing to downplay the serious issue of Muslim-led rape gangs that have plagued parts of the UK. His comments are seen as insensitive to victims and dismissive of legitimate concerns about the intersection of Islam and sexual violence. The controversy highlights ongoing tensions around academic freedom, hate speech, and the willingness of some scholars to defend problematic aspects of certain religious or cultural practices.
The details
In his social media posts, Brown responded to a tweet by Independent Member of Parliament Rupert Lowe, who stated that 'there is a link between the rape gangs and one particular religion - we have seen it again and again and again at our inquiry. That religion is Islam.' Brown simply replied 'get over it,' sparking outrage. When another user called his comment 'absurdly evil,' Brown repeated the phrase 'Get over it.' The professor has since made his account private, but the screenshots of his remarks have circulated widely.
- On March 31, 2026, Brown made the initial 'get over it' comment in response to Lowe's tweet.
- Also on March 31, 2026, Brown doubled down on his dismissive stance when another user criticized his remarks.
The players
Jonathan A.C. Brown
A professor and chair of Islamic Civilization at Georgetown University who faced backlash for his dismissive comments about concerns over Muslim 'rape gangs' in the UK.
Rupert Lowe
An Independent Member of Parliament in the UK who tweeted about the link between Islam and the country's rape gang crisis.
Shae McInnis
The president of Georgetown's College Republicans chapter, who called for Brown to be removed from the university over his remarks.
Georgetown University
The university where Jonathan A.C. Brown is a professor, which has faced calls to take action against him over his controversial comments.
What they’re saying
“There is a link between the rape gangs and one particular religion – we have seen it again and again and again at our inquiry. That religion is Islam. As a country, we must have the courage to face up to that fact.”
— Rupert Lowe, Independent Member of Parliament
“Get over it.”
— Jonathan A.C. Brown, Professor, Georgetown University
“There is something absurdly evil about saying 'get over it' in context with gang rape, torture and murder for religious reasons”
— Arminho
“Professor Jonathan Brown's recent remarks continue a troubling pattern of reckless, incendiary, and dangerous statements that he has made without remorse. Just last June, he stated that Iran should bomb U.S. military bases, and now he suggests that people should get over rape gangs. Comments like these reflect a worldview fundamentally at odds with Georgetown's core values and are a disgrace to our academic community. The university should take decisive action and remove him from his position.”
— Shae McInnis, President, Georgetown College Republicans
What’s next
Georgetown University has not yet responded to requests for comment on the controversy surrounding Professor Jonathan A.C. Brown's remarks. It remains to be seen whether the university will take any disciplinary action against Brown in response to the growing calls for his removal.
The takeaway
Professor Brown's dismissive comments about concerns over Muslim 'rape gangs' have sparked outrage and renewed debates around academic freedom, hate speech, and the responsibility of scholars to address sensitive issues with nuance and empathy. The controversy highlights the ongoing tensions between free speech and the need to avoid minimizing or excusing serious societal problems.