Nigel Farage’s rejection of claims of making racist remarks during his school days has been strongly refuted by his former classmates.
A group of 25 ex-schoolmates and a former teacher have united for the first time to express their “disappointment and outrage” at the response of the Reform UK leader to the recent allegations.
Allegations against Mr. Farage involve racist and anti-Semitic comments reportedly made during his time at Dulwich College, including statements such as “Hitler was right” and mentions of Nazi gas chambers. Pressure has been mounting on Mr. Farage to apologize, but he has consistently denied the accusations, suggesting they are part of a smear campaign against him.
In a collective statement, the 26 signatories clarified that their claims are not politically driven, as they come from diverse professional backgrounds and political beliefs. They emphasized that they have not collaborated before and have only come together now because of their shared experiences of witnessing or experiencing Mr. Farage’s discriminatory conduct.
The signatories countered Mr. Farage’s assertion that they only surfaced when Reform began gaining popularity by pointing out that similar allegations have been reported as far back as 2013. They stressed the importance of honesty and accountability for individuals seeking public office, urging Mr. Farage to take responsibility for his past actions.
They highlighted the uniqueness of Mr. Farage’s behavior, stating that his actions went beyond the cultural norms of the time, with direct and personal attacks on individuals based on their ethnicity and religion.
Labour chairwoman Anna Turley criticized Mr. Farage’s evasive responses and called for a full apology to the accusers. She expressed concern over his reluctance to address the allegations, suggesting it raises doubts about his suitability for high office.
Earlier this month, Mr. Farage faced intense scrutiny during a press conference where he confronted journalists questioning him about the accusations. He attempted to deflect the issue by pointing out historical TV programs, claiming a double standard in the media’s treatment of controversial content.
Reform’s deputy leader, Richard Tice, dismissed the allegations as baseless, labeling them as politically motivated attacks against the party. Award-winning director Peter Ettedgui also came forward, recounting Mr. Farage’s disturbing remarks during their time at school.
In response to the recent revelations, a Reform spokesperson criticized the accusations as a deliberate attempt to discredit the party and its leader, dismissing them as desperate tactics by the opposition.
The former Dulwich College students and teacher urged Mr. Farage to acknowledge the veracity of their accounts, issue a formal apology, and demonstrate a clear rejection of the racist, anti-Semitic, and fascist views he expressed during his school years. They emphasized the enduring impact of his actions and the necessity for him to address his past behavior.
