Nigel Farage Faces Mounting Racism Allegations Amid Criticism of Broadcasters

Published 4 December 2025

Highlights

• Nigel Farage faces allegations of making racist and antisemitic remarks during his school years, with 28 former classmates corroborating the claims.
• Farage has accused the BBC of "double standards" for questioning him about these allegations while broadcasting racially insensitive shows in the past.
• Reform UK's deputy leader, Richard Tice, dismissed the allegations as "made-up twaddle," despite corroboration from multiple witnesses.
• Farage's comments about Glasgow's multilingual schoolchildren have been labeled as racist by Scottish leaders, sparking further controversy.
• The allegations have impacted Reform UK's standing in national polls, with the party's support reportedly slipping.

Nigel Farage, leader of the Reform UK party, is embroiled in controversy following allegations of racist and antisemitic remarks made during his school years. The accusations, corroborated by 28 former classmates, have prompted Farage to criticize broadcasters like the BBC and ITV for what he perceives as "double standards."

Allegations and Accusations

The controversy began when Peter Ettedgui, a Jewish former classmate, accused Farage of making antisemitic comments such as "Hitler was right" during their time at Dulwich College in the 1970s. Farage has denied making any remarks with "malice," attributing any offensive language to "playground banter." Despite his denials, several former pupils have come forward to support Ettedgui's claims, describing Farage's behavior as "personal and vindictive."

Farage's Response to Broadcasters

In response to the allegations, Farage has turned his ire towards the BBC, accusing the broadcaster of hypocrisy for questioning him while airing racially insensitive programs like "The Black and White Minstrel Show" during the same era. Farage demanded an apology from the BBC for its past content, which he argued was equally offensive.

Reform UK's deputy leader, Richard Tice, has dismissed the allegations as politically motivated falsehoods, despite corroboration from multiple witnesses. Tice's comments have further fueled the controversy, with critics accusing the party of failing to address the serious nature of the claims.

Controversial Remarks on Glasgow Schools

Adding to the controversy, Farage recently made remarks about the high percentage of Glasgow schoolchildren who speak English as a second language, describing it as a "cultural smashing of Glasgow." Scottish leaders, including First Minister John Swinney, have condemned these comments as racist, arguing that multilingualism is a strength rather than a problem.

What this might mean

The ongoing allegations against Nigel Farage could have significant political implications for the Reform UK party, which has seen a decline in national polls. As more witnesses come forward, the pressure on Farage to address these claims may intensify, potentially impacting his political career and the party's future.

Experts suggest that the controversy could lead to broader discussions about racism and antisemitism in British politics, as well as the role of media in holding public figures accountable. The situation also highlights the challenges faced by political parties in addressing historical allegations while maintaining public trust.