UPDATE: In a strong rebuttal, Nigel Farage has categorically denied allegations of racial abuse made against him during his time at Dulwich College. The Reform UK leader’s statement follows a series of claims reported by the Guardian last week, where more than a dozen former classmates alleged he engaged in “deeply offensive behavior” as a teenager.
During a tense interview, Farage was pressed on whether he could definitively rule out engaging in racial abuse. “I would never, ever do it in a hurtful or insulting way,” he insisted, adding that if any remarks were made, they were “not with intent.” His defense comes after reports suggested that comments he made could be interpreted differently today than they were decades ago.
In a statement released on Tuesday, Farage addressed the allegations directly, asserting, “I can tell you categorically that I did not say the things that have been published in the Guardian aged 13, nearly 50 years ago.” He emphasized his long-standing scrutiny in British politics, noting, “I am probably the most scrutinized figure in British politics.”
Farage suggested the timing of these allegations is suspicious, particularly as his party leads in recent polls. “I will leave the public to draw their own conclusions about why that might be,” he added, accusing the Guardian of attempting to smear those discussing immigration issues.
The controversy escalated when former classmate Peter Ettedgui, who identifies as Jewish, claimed on the BBC that Farage had approached him multiple times with the phrase, “Hitler was right.” Ettedgui described Farage’s denials as “fundamentally dishonest.”
In response to the growing backlash, Lord Mann, the Government’s independent advisor on antisemitism, criticized Farage’s attempts to downplay serious allegations as mere “playground banter.” He stated, “Farage needs to do the decent thing and come clean with the British public about the full extent of his past behavior and apologize.”
This developing story raises significant questions about accountability and the legacy of political figures in the UK. As the situation unfolds, public reaction is expected to intensify, with many calling for transparency and genuine contrition from Farage.
As this story develops, watch for further statements from both Farage and those making allegations, as the implications for his political career and the Reform UK party could be profound.
