Trudeau admits ‘dumb joke’ about ‘peoplekind’ flopped

OTTAWA, Ontario — Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said Wednesday he was making a “dumb joke” when he suggested using the word “peoplekind” instead of “mankind” – a comment that has led some to ridicule him.

A woman speaking with Trudeau about religious charities in Alberta last Thursday used the word “mankind.” Trudeau told her he preferred to say “peoplekind.”

The remark caught the attention of media outlets outside Canada, including “Fox and Friends,” which ridiculed Trudeau for the comment during a broadcast Tuesday.

British TV broadcaster Piers Morgan and Australian columnist Rita Panahi also criticized Trudeau being too politically correct. “I made a dumb joke a few days ago that seems to have gone a little viral,” Trudeau said.

“It played well in the room and in context. Out of context, it doesn’t play so well,” he added. It’s a little reminder to me that I shouldn’t be making jokes even when I think they’re funny.”