Nigel Farage has addressed accusations of racism from his time in school, emphasizing that the alleged incidents took place nearly 50 years ago and denying any intention to racially abuse anyone in a harmful or disrespectful manner. Former classmates from Dulwich College in London claimed that Farage made pro-Hitler statements, joked about gas chambers, and discriminated based on skin color.
In a recent interview with The Guardian, Peter Ettedgui, who was 13 at the time, alleged that Farage would make statements like “Hitler was right” and sing songs referencing gassing Jews. Other individuals, including Patrick Neylan and Tim France, recalled similar behaviors, with claims of singing inappropriate songs and performing Nazi salutes. A spokesperson for Reform UK refuted all allegations, labeling them as an attempt to tarnish the party’s reputation.
During an ITV News interview, Farage denied racially abusing fellow students during his school years, stating that he would never engage in hurtful or insulting behavior based on someone’s origin. When pressed further on the matter, Farage reiterated that the events occurred almost five decades ago and stated that he cannot recall all details from that time.
It was clarified that there is no indication that Farage currently holds the same views attributed to him during his youth. Additionally, other classmates have no memory of the alleged remarks or actions described by Ettedgui.
In response to the allegations, a Reform UK spokesperson dismissed them as baseless, pointing out the lack of supporting evidence or records from nearly 50 years ago. The party accused The Guardian of attempting to discredit Reform UK, a party that has consistently led in opinion polls and whose leader is now seen as a top contender for the next Prime Minister role.
The statement expressed anticipation of further attempts to smear Reform UK as the next election approaches, emphasizing the commitment to combat misleading information.