Tucker Carlson's Controversial Video Praising British Fascist Oswald Mosley
In a recent video that has ignited widespread controversy, right-wing American television host Tucker Carlson lavished praise on Oswald Mosley, the notorious leader of the British Union of Fascists during the 1930s. Carlson, a former Fox News presenter and long-time ally of Donald Trump until the US war in Iran, used the clip to attack Winston Churchill, making inaccurate historical claims that have been sharply criticised by experts and commentators.
Inaccurate Portrayal of Mosley's Role and Imprisonment
Carlson erroneously described Mosley as the "leader of the opposition" during World War II, a statement that is factually incorrect. Mosley had left Parliament nearly a decade earlier to lead the British Union of Fascists, a far-right political party. Additionally, Carlson claimed that Mosley was imprisoned for the "entire length of the war," but records show he was interned from 1940 to 1943, released on health grounds two years before the conflict ended. Mosley was held in HMP Brixton and later Holloway due to concerns over his Nazi sympathies, including his 1936 marriage at Joseph Goebbels' home, attended by Adolf Hitler.
Carlson's Broader Shift and Media Fallout
This incident is part of a broader pattern where Carlson has drifted further to the right, dabbling in conspiracy theories and aligning with controversial figures. Last year, he hosted Nick Fuentes, a white nationalist and antisemite, on his podcast, leading to denunciations and resignations at conservative think tanks like the Heritage Foundation. While Carlson denies antisemitism, he has argued that anti-Jewish hate is less pervasive than bias against white people, sparking debates within conservative circles.
Reactions from Conservative Media and Figures
The video has exacerbated fractures in right-wing media, with figures like Ben Shapiro condemning Carlson's actions as "an act of moral imbecility." Others, such as Candace Owens and Dennis Prager, have engaged in public feuds over antisemitic conspiracy theories. Meanwhile, Donald Trump has avoided criticising Fuentes, praising Carlson instead, highlighting ongoing tensions within the conservative movement. The Iran war continues to strain these relationships, with commentators like Megyn Kelly and Mark Levin exchanging heated accusations over media bias and support for the conflict.
