Nigel Farage has been accused of delivering a "non-apology" by a former school contemporary who alleges the Reform UK leader engaged in racist and antisemitic behaviour during their time at Dulwich College. The criticism follows Farage's recent BBC interview where he expressed conditional remorse for any hurt caused.
Conditional Remorse in BBC Interview
For the first time since allegations surfaced through a Guardian investigation, the Reform UK party leader appeared to show some regret for the impact of his alleged conduct while attending the prestigious private school in south London. In an interview with BBC presenter Laura Kuenssberg for a documentary about his party's rise, Farage stated: "I think there are two people who said they were hurt, and if they genuinely were, then that's a pity, and I'm sorry. But never, ever did I intend to hurt anybody. Never have."
Multiple Allegations from School Contemporaries
The Guardian has reported testimonies from thirty-four school contemporaries who claim they either witnessed or were subjected to Farage's alleged racism and antisemitism. Among the most prominent accusers is Emmy and Bafta-winning film-maker Peter Ettedgui, who alleges Farage regularly taunted him with antisemitic comments, including the assertion that "Hitler was right."
Ettedgui responded directly to Farage's latest comments, stating the Reform leader needed to explain why his initial response had been to outright deny the detailed claims from such a substantial group of people. "Thirty-four people have given our first-hand accounts of Nigel Farage's abusive behaviour at Dulwich college," Ettedgui said, "including students who either suffered or witnessed it, as well as teachers."
Pattern of Alleged Behaviour
The film-maker described what he called Farage's "profoundly offensive conduct" that allegedly continued throughout their teenage years until they left school at eighteen. "Every single one of us vividly recalls Farage's racist, xenophobic and antisemitic bullying, as well as his vocal admiration for fascist leaders from Hitler to Mosley," Ettedgui asserted. He emphasised that this behaviour "went far beyond what was considered normal or acceptable – even in the 1970s."
While acknowledging that Farage's latest statement at least differed from previous responses, Ettedgui remained critical. "Farage's 'non-apology' today at least differs from previous lamentable attempts to excuse his racist insults as 'banter', or to smear those of us who have spoken up as liars or fantasists," he noted.
Political Implications and Unanswered Questions
Ettedgui raised what he called "urgent questions" given Farage's political ambitions, particularly his aspiration to become prime minister. "Why has he continually denied the repugnant behaviour so many of his schoolmates recall, rather than acknowledging and apologising sincerely for it?" he questioned. The film-maker further probed: "To what extent has his political agenda today been shaped by the racist views he expressed so vociferously at Dulwich?"
Farage's Defence and Historical Context
Initially, Farage had threatened legal action against the Guardian and denied any racist or antisemitic conduct. He later suggested that his behaviour would have been viewed as "banter" four decades ago but might be perceived differently in contemporary society. In his interview with Kuenssberg, Farage maintained that his conduct would not have been unusual in 1970s Britain.
"I tell you what, if teenage boys together at an all-boys school haven't said things to each other, haven't been brutal in some ways in the late 1970s, I'd be very, very surprised," Farage argued. He added: "Also I've had lots and lots of supportive texts, including from two Jewish students in my A-level set. There were all sorts of things going on amongst teenage kids in a boys' environment. Was there ever anything intentional or with the intent to wound or hurt? Genuinely? No, absolutely not."
The controversy emerges as Reform UK leads in recent opinion polls, adding political significance to these historical allegations about its leader's conduct during his formative years at one of Britain's most prestigious private schools.
