What's happened
Nigel Farage faces renewed allegations of racist and antisemitic behaviour during his teenage years at Dulwich College, with former classmates claiming he made pro-Hitler comments, performed Nazi salutes, and used racial slurs. Farage denies the claims, calling them political smears amid ongoing media and political debate. The story raises questions about his past and integrity.
What's behind the headline?
The story exposes a pattern of allegations that challenge Farage's public persona and political credibility. The detailed testimonies from former classmates, including prominent figures like Peter Ettedgui, suggest a troubling history of racist behaviour that Farage dismisses as youthful 'banter.' The timing of these revelations, coinciding with his rising political support, indicates a strategic attempt by opponents to undermine his leadership. The conflicting responses—Farage's denials versus witnesses' accounts—highlight a broader debate about the permanence of teenage attitudes and the importance of accountability. This story will likely influence public perception, especially among minority communities and political opponents, and could impact his future electoral prospects.
What the papers say
The Guardian's investigation provides detailed testimonies from over a dozen former pupils and teachers, including allegations of Nazi salutes, racist songs, and derogatory comments. Sky News reports Farage's dismissive response, emphasizing his denial and calling the allegations 'politically motivated smears.' The Times of Israel highlights the legal and political pressure for Farage to address the claims, with UK officials and Jewish community leaders urging him to clarify and apologize. The Guardian's coverage underscores the credibility of witnesses and the significance of the allegations, while also noting Farage's consistent denial and accusations of media bias. The divergence between Farage's dismissals and witnesses' detailed accounts illustrates the ongoing controversy and the potential impact on his political career.
How we got here
The allegations stem from a Guardian investigation that uncovered testimonies from more than a dozen former pupils and teachers who recall Farage making racist and antisemitic remarks during his time at Dulwich College in the 1970s. These claims include Nazi salutes, singing racist songs, and making derogatory comments about minority groups. Farage has consistently denied any racist behaviour, attributing past comments to 'banter' and denying any intent to hurt.
Go deeper
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