James O’Brien has said he feels “like a mug” for having defended Professor Jason Arday, amid allegations of plagiarism. The comments suggest O’Brien has reconsidered his earlier support as questions about Arday’s work and public claims have emerged.

The article centres on Arday, an academic whose background and career have attracted considerable attention, and on the reputational consequences of the allegations. The supplied text does not give further details of the alleged plagiarism, O’Brien’s previous defence, or any response from Arday.