London’s Mayor, Sadiq Khan, has expressed his disappointment over Nigel Farage‘s vehement denial of allegations regarding racism during their teenage years at Dulwich College. Khan characterized Farage’s response as “desperate” and reflected on how such experiences have profoundly impacted his own life.
Khan highlighted testimony from over 20 individuals who have come forward with allegations against Farage, evoking painful memories from his past. “Being called the ‘P word’ at that age doesn’t just hurt you, it changes you,” he stated. “It changes how you pronounce your name. It changes the way you talk to your friends, and it changes the way you walk down the street. These are experiences you never forget. I still remember vividly how I felt.”
The mayor criticized Farage for not apologizing to those who experienced similar abuse during their time at school. At 55 years old, Khan emphasized that the 61-year-old Farage’s characterization of the abuse as “banter” disregards the lasting effects of such behavior. “Growing up in London in the 70s and 80s, I was no stranger to racist abuse,” Khan recalled. “Those responsible might have thought it was a bit of harmless banter, but I’ll never forget how their words made me feel.”
Khan, whose parents emigrated from Pakistan, has previously shared stories of the racial abuse he faced while growing up in Tooting, south London. He noted in 2019 that many outside his immediate family mispronounced his name as “Sad-eek” instead of the correct pronunciation, “Saad-ick.”
The allegations against Farage have intensified pressure on him to address his past behavior. Peter Ettedgui, a 61-year-old Emmy and Bafta-winning director, provided his account to the Guardian, stating that Farage would approach him during their school years, making comments such as, “Hitler was right,” and “Gas them,” often mimicking the sound of gas showers. This alleged bullying persisted for six years, from ages 13 to 18.
Khan remarked, “I’m sure that the multiple reports that Nigel Farage regularly used vile racist and antisemitic language as a London schoolboy will strike a nerve with all those who were on the receiving end of racism growing up. We’ve made huge progress as a society since then, but we risk normalizing racism like we did decades ago. Racism has the same long-lasting impact on people now as it did then, and we need to keep calling it out.”
In response to the Guardian‘s investigation, Farage’s lawyers issued legal letters denying the allegations, stating, “the suggestion that Mr. Farage ever engaged in, condoned, or led racist or antisemitic behaviour is categorically denied.” However, in a subsequent interview with the BBC’s political editor, Farage appeared to shift his stance, acknowledging that he had said things in his youth that could be interpreted as “banter,” though he insisted, “I have never directly, really tried to go and hurt anybody.”
Following this, Farage released a statement claiming, “I can tell you categorically that I did not say the things that have been published in the Guardian aged 13, nearly 50 years ago.”
Khan believes that those who spoke out against Farage are justified in their actions. “While Farage desperately tries to dismiss his actions as the harmless antics of an average teenager, many will disagree, not least his old classmates who remember what happened very clearly,” he said. “They were right to speak out, and Nigel Farage’s refusal to apologize speaks volumes about the character of a man who claims he wants to be the prime minister of this country.”
The controversy has drawn attention from various political figures, including Keir Starmer, who visited Bushey United Synagogue. When asked about the allegations against Farage, Starmer noted, “These allegations were made in relation to Nigel Farage. They’re serious. They affect human beings in a visceral way.” He emphasized the lasting impact of antisemitism on young people, highlighting the importance of addressing such issues openly.
As the situation continues to unfold, the implications of these allegations may resonate beyond the political arena, as public discussions on racism and accountability gain momentum.
