Key Highlights
- Nigel Farage was accused of targeting Peter Ettedgui with racist verbal abuse at Dulwich College in the 1970s and 1980s.
- About 20 former students have shared their memories, revealing various forms of alleged racism from Farage during his school years.
- Farage has denied the claims, stating he never said or did anything like that directly to a human being.
- The allegations resurface amid concerns over Reform UK’s handling of racist behavior and the party’s hosting of bigoted candidates.
Allegations of Racism from Nigel Farage’s School Days
Nigel Farage, the leader of Reform UK, has been accused of targeting Peter Ettedgui with vicious, persistent verbal abuse during his days at Dulwich College in the 1970s and 1980s. The allegations, which have resurfaced after years, raise significant questions about how a political figure from his youth is perceived today.
Ettedgui, who is the grandson of refugees from Nazi Germany, claims that Farage would growl into his ear, stating that “Hitler was right” or saying “gas them” with a hiss to emulate gas chambers. He says, “It was vicious and it was persistent.
I didn’t feel I could complain to the teaching staff, and I didn’t want to upset my parents by telling them. Over time I learnt to throw a metaphorical protective cloak around myself and ignore him.”
Additional Accounts from Former Students
David Edmonds, now a philosopher and BBC radio programme-maker, shared that Farage used the words “wogs” and “P***s,” and came out with antisemitic tropes. He said he had not considered Farage’s behavior bullying at the time but would feel differently today, as he believes the language was racist “wherever you draw the line.” Another former student, a retired British Army officer who asked not to be identified, recounted that Farage expressed openly racist views and sang “Gas ’Em All,” a song about killing “P***s” and “n***ers,” while they were in the Combined Cadet Force.
Farage’s contemporary Nick Gordon Brown shared classes with him between 16 and 18 and said that Farage had talked of supporting the National Front’s compulsory repatriation policy, describing it as an obsession. “I certainly didn’t think it was banter,” he added. “I strongly believe that they were policies and views that he properly held.”
Reform UK’s Reaction
Farage has long been dogged by allegations of racism, but there is almost no evidence that he has used slurs in his adult life. In response to the new claims, Reform UK sent a series of legal letters threatening those who reported the abuse with potential lawsuits for reckless publication and aggravated damages. During an ITV interview on Monday, Farage denied the accusations outright, saying: “I have never directly really tried to go and hurt anybody.” He added that if anyone felt they were hurt by his alleged behavior, he was genuinely sorry but would never have said or done anything like that.
Some of Farage’s contemporaries at Dulwich College admitted memories had faded in the 43 years since they left school.
Roger Gough and Reza Rahbari both recalled a multicultural preoccupation among young Farage but did not witness any instances of racist behavior. Meanwhile, Martin Rosell told The Guardian that during their time together, Farage would say “Hitler was right” and sing lyrics to “Gas ’Em All.” Andy Field, a GP in York, added that if smartphones had been available at the time, they would have footage of Farage goose-stepping as this was a frequent sight in the playground when he was a prefect.
Context and Implications
The claims of schoolboy racism come at a time when Reform UK faces criticism for its hosting of bigoted candidates. At the most recent general election, one candidate referred to a group of black people as “baboons,” while another said asylum seekers had it “in their DNA to lie.” The party blamed its vetting company for allowing such unsuitable candidates to stand.
The questions surrounding Farage’s behavior during his youth have reignited debates about the relevance of past actions in shaping political figures today. Sir Sadiq Khan, the Labour mayor of London, commented that being called a slur at that age can “change you.” The controversy also highlights how politicians must deal with criticism and accusations from their past, especially when they are vying for high office.
As the nation watches the unfolding drama, it raises important questions about the legacy of political figures and the significance of their actions during formative years. The allegations against Farage could have significant implications for his future in politics as he continues to campaign for the position of Prime Minister.
