Family in Fear After Tommy Robinson Shares Video of Black Man With White Granddaughters

Published: 20 August 2025 | The English Chronicle Desk

A family in Redcar, North Yorkshire, say their lives have been upended after a video of a black man and his brother playing in the park with his white granddaughters was shared online by far-right activist Tommy Robinson, sparking a wave of abuse and false accusations.

Olajuwon Ayeni, a musician, and his wife Natalie, have faced racial abuse and been falsely labelled as paedophiles after the family video was taken from Natalie’s TikTok account and circulated among extremist groups. In the week since the video went viral, the couple report that they have been threatened in public and feel unsafe leaving their home.

On Tuesday, their local MP, Anna Turley, intervened by providing a character reference for Ayeni after he was suspended by his management in the wake of the online disinformation.

“I’m devastated to receive the email from my management,” Ayeni said. “Music is my life. My social media will be damaged, my career will be tarnished … but I am determined to show the truth and hopefully clear it up.”

The couple described the ongoing threats they have faced since the video was shared with Robinson’s 1.4 million followers on X. Robinson’s post questioned the presence of the children’s parents, a statement that many online users interpreted as insinuating wrongdoing. Despite repeated requests and replies debunking the claims, Robinson has not removed the video.

Natalie Ayeni said they have been too fearful to leave their home. “We haven’t gone outside at home, we just can’t,” she explained. “Someone in the local pub recognised Olajuwon immediately; just streets from our house, two men threatened us directly. It’s horrendous.”

The emotional toll on the family has been severe. Olajuwon said: “I feel I have to sleep with one eye open. I feel unsafe, scared and sad, as mine and my brother’s lives have been threatened, all for just being in the park with the kids I love on a family day out. It’s been twisted by haters and wicked people.”

Natalie added that the online abuse had made her physically unwell. “It’s ruined our lives. We just want people to know the truth. We’re a normal family who went to the park with our grandchildren. The lies and racism have turned our lives upside down.”

While the family have reported threats to Cleveland Police, officers have indicated that sharing the video itself does not constitute a crime. The force confirmed that it is offering the family all available support and advice. Superintendent Emily Harrison urged the public not to share the video or any misleading information about the individuals featured.

The incident highlights ongoing concerns over the weaponisation of social media, online harassment, and the impact of false narratives on individuals and families, particularly when amplified by high-profile figures.