Farage criticizes BBC for hypocrisy following racism allegations

Nigel Farage, leader of Reform UK, has criticized the BBC for "double standards" following questions about alleged racist and antisemitic remarks he made as a teenager. Earlier, the party's deputy leader, Richard Tice, dismissed claims from Farage's former classmates as "made-up nonsense."

During a Today programme interview, Farage described the questioning as a "disgrace" and demanded an apology from the BBC for 1970s shows like It Ain't Half Hot Mum and The Black and White Minstrel Show, which he labeled as racist and homophobic.

Peter Ettedgui, a former Jewish schoolmate, told the BBC that Farage had repeatedly said phrases such as "Hitler was right" and "gas them" during their time at Dulwich College in the 1970s and early 1980s. Two additional former students corroborated Ettedgui's account.

Previously, Farage acknowledged: "Have I said things 50 years ago that could be seen as playground banter by todays standards? Yes. I have never directly racially abused anyone."

At a press conference on Thursday, Farage confronted the accusations again, criticizing the BBC's framing of a question linking him to Adolf Hitler as "disgraceful." He accused the broadcaster of hypocrisy, pointing out that programs like The Black and White Minstrel Show and It Ain't Half Hot Mum used blackface without censure.

Farage stated: "I cannot accept the BBC's double standards regarding remarks I allegedly made nearly 50 years ago compared to the mainstream content they produced in that era. I demand an apology for much of your 1970s and 80s programming."

The Black and White Minstrel Show, which featured white performers in blackface, aired from 1958 to 1978 and attracted up to 16 million viewers at its peak. Even at the time, it faced criticism, including petitions from the Campaign Against Racial Discrimination.

Farage also criticized ITV, calling it "the channel of Bernard Manning," referring to the comedian often accused of racist humor. He cited letters from former schoolmates, including one Jewish classmate, defending his conduct: "There was schoolboy banter, sometimes offensive, but never malicious. I never witnessed him racially abuse anyone. The claims are based on questionable recollections decades later."

Responding to Tice's dismissal of the allegations, Ettedgui stated: "Over 20 former Dulwich pupils have described Farage's racist and antisemitic behavior. Journalists have independently verified each account. These testimonies consistently depict the teenage Farage. His and Tices denials are as offensive as the original behavior."

A Conservative spokesperson commented: "Farage held a press conference to attack journalists over historical racism and antisemitism allegations, which he has partly admitted. Reform UK remains in turmoil."

Author: Benjamin Carter