Nigel Farage is under scrutiny following allegations of racist and antisemitic remarks made by former classmates during his time at Dulwich College in south London. Accusations include endorsing Hitler, making gas chamber jokes, and discriminating against individuals based on their skin color.
Bafta- and Emmy-winning director, Peter Ettedgui, disclosed that Farage allegedly expressed pro-Hitler sentiments, joked about gas chambers, and used derogatory terms towards students of different ethnicities. Despite the claims, a spokesperson for Reform UK denied all allegations, attributing them to a smear campaign against Farage’s party.
Ettedgui, whose grandparents fled Nazi Germany, expressed shock at Farage’s behavior, recounting instances of verbal abuse and discriminatory remarks directed at various students. Other former classmates recalled Farage engaging in Nazi salutes, singing inappropriate songs, and making insensitive comments about the Holocaust.
The allegations have prompted calls for Farage to address the accusations. Anna Turley MP emphasized the importance of accountability, stating that such behavior goes against British values of decency, tolerance, and unity. Lib Dem MP Josh Babarinde demanded an apology if the allegations are true, highlighting the need for politicians to reject divisive rhetoric.
Hope Not Hate’s Director of Campaigns, Georgina Laming, criticized Farage for perpetuating intolerant views, citing a pattern of anti-immigrant sentiments. The controversy echoes past claims, including an incident where David Lammy apologized for suggesting Farage had ties to Hitler Youth in his youth.
Reform UK dismissed the allegations as baseless, questioning the credibility of the claims made nearly 50 years ago. The party condemned the accusations as an attempt to discredit their rising popularity in opinion polls and Farage’s increasing political influence.
As the scrutiny intensifies, the public awaits further developments in the ongoing controversy surrounding Nigel Farage and his alleged past behavior.