Nigel Farage Responds to Racism Claims from School Days

Published: 25 November 2025. The English Chronicle Desk. The English Chronicle Online

Nigel Farage has broken his silence nearly a week after accusations emerged that he engaged in racist and antisemitic behaviour as a teenager. Speaking in a broadcast interview, the Reform party leader said he “never directly, really tried to go and hurt anybody,” responding to claims made by around 20 of his former schoolmates.

The allegations, detailed in a Guardian investigation, depict repeated offensive incidents during Farage’s time at Dulwich College. Former classmates and contemporaries claimed he targeted minority ethnic pupils, sang offensive songs referencing the Holocaust, and engaged in abusive behaviour over several years until he was 18. Among the accusers is Peter Ettedgui, a Bafta and Emmy-winning director, who recalled being targeted personally by Farage during his early teens.

Farage’s aides have categorically denied the allegations, stating that “any suggestion that Mr Farage ever engaged in, condoned, or led racist or antisemitic behaviour is categorically denied.” However, in his interview, Farage offered a more nuanced account, emphasising that the events occurred nearly five decades ago. “No, this is 49 years ago by the way. Have I ever tried to take it out on any individual on the basis of where they’re from? No,” he said.

The interviewer pressed Farage on whether he categorically denied racially abusing anyone. Farage responded: “I would never, ever do it in a hurtful or insulting way. It’s 49 years ago. I had just entered my teens. Can I remember everything that happened at school? No. Have I ever been part of an extremist organisation or engaged in direct, unpleasant, personal abuse, genuine abuse, on that basis? No.”

Asked about the meaning of “not with intent,” Farage replied cryptically: “You wouldn’t. I have never directly, really tried to go and hurt anybody.”

Despite his statements, the allegations have attracted criticism from political figures. Labour leader Keir Starmer labelled Farage “spineless” for not addressing the claims publicly last week. Labour peer Mike Katz said Farage’s comments suggested a misunderstanding of the harm caused by racial abuse, insisting that it is impossible to racially abuse someone without causing insult or hurt.

Ettedgui criticised the Reform leader for failing to apologise directly, noting that a simple acknowledgment of past wrongdoing would have shown accountability. “The easiest thing for him to have said when these allegations first came up would have been: ‘Yes, I did say some extraordinarily upsetting things to people that were racist. And I unreservedly apologise to them for that,’” he said. “But he’s never said that.”

The Liberal Democrat president-elect, Josh Babarinde, echoed these concerns, calling Farage’s reluctance to deny the claims “unbecoming” for someone seeking high office. He stressed that the public deserves a direct and transparent response from any political leader.

The accusations have revived debate about the accountability of public figures for past behaviour, particularly when allegations surface decades later. Farage, now 61, has faced repeated scrutiny over his conduct and political rhetoric, but this marks one of the most detailed examinations of his teenage years.

Farage’s response highlights the tension between historical recollections and the public expectation for immediate clarity and accountability. Political commentators have noted that how he addresses these allegations could shape public perception ahead of future political campaigns, reinforcing scrutiny over character and leadership.