Conservative leadership candidate Kemi Badenoch has lashed out at Nigel Farage, branding him "tone deaf" and accusing him of lacking empathy after refusing to apologize for allegedly racist and antisemitic comments made during his school days.
The weight of evidence from over 20 former classmates, including Reform UK leader, has been cited as a significant factor in Badenoch's criticism, with many recounting incidents where Farage was accused of making hurtful remarks. Peter Ettedgui, a 61-year-old Jewish man, stated that Farage repeatedly told him "Hitler was right" and "gas them".
Badenoch expressed surprise at Farage's refusal to apologize, suggesting it would have been her first instinct as a politician. She emphasized the importance of apologizing for past transgressions, stating: "He should just apologize. If he just said: 'You know, I was a kid, I'm sorry, I shouldn't have said that. It was wrong. People shouldn't speak like that,' this would all have gone away."
Badenoch pointed to the sheer number of stories about Farage's behavior at Dulwich college, where many claim he subjected them to racist and antisemitic abuse. She argued that his refusal to apologize suggested a lack of concern for how his words may impact others, particularly in regards to racial and ethnic minorities.
Farage and his representatives have dismissed the allegations as baseless and suggested they are part of a broader smear campaign aimed at discrediting him. However, Badenoch remains unconvinced, instead labeling Farage's behavior "a bit strange" given the evidence.
The weight of evidence from over 20 former classmates, including Reform UK leader, has been cited as a significant factor in Badenoch's criticism, with many recounting incidents where Farage was accused of making hurtful remarks. Peter Ettedgui, a 61-year-old Jewish man, stated that Farage repeatedly told him "Hitler was right" and "gas them".
Badenoch expressed surprise at Farage's refusal to apologize, suggesting it would have been her first instinct as a politician. She emphasized the importance of apologizing for past transgressions, stating: "He should just apologize. If he just said: 'You know, I was a kid, I'm sorry, I shouldn't have said that. It was wrong. People shouldn't speak like that,' this would all have gone away."
Badenoch pointed to the sheer number of stories about Farage's behavior at Dulwich college, where many claim he subjected them to racist and antisemitic abuse. She argued that his refusal to apologize suggested a lack of concern for how his words may impact others, particularly in regards to racial and ethnic minorities.
Farage and his representatives have dismissed the allegations as baseless and suggested they are part of a broader smear campaign aimed at discrediting him. However, Badenoch remains unconvinced, instead labeling Farage's behavior "a bit strange" given the evidence.
. I mean, Kemi Badenoch is right on point about Nigel Farage refusing to apologize for his past racist and antisemitic comments... it's just common sense! 
You've gotta own up to your mistakes, especially when they're as hurtful as what he allegedly said. 20 former classmates coming forward with the same story? That's a lot of people who are saying something needs to be done. I'm all for forgiveness and moving on, but not if you can just sweep it under the rug like Farage is trying to do 
. He's basically saying his age excuse is an excuse, and that's just not it...
i mean nigel farage refuses to apologize for all these racist and antisemitic comments he made in school and now kemi badenoch is calling him out for it she's right though, apologizing is a big deal especially when you're in politics, it shows that you can learn from your mistakes and grow as a person... 
but what really gets me is how far back these incidents go like, 20 years ago?! shouldn't he have thought twice before speaking those words?
. Apologizing doesn't mean you have to change your whole personality or anything, it just means acknowledging that what you did was wrong and being sorry for it. If Farage could just say "Hey, I messed up, I'm sorry" without all the drama 
, maybe we could move on from this already.
. Maybe he didn't mean to hurt anyone's feelings or whatever. But still, if 20 people are saying they were bullied and harassed by him in school, you'd think someone would speak up more about it 
.
I don't get why he can't just own up to his past mistakes. It's not that hard to apologize and say "hey, I was wrong". But no, instead he's all like "my words were taken out of context" or whatever other cop-out he's got. 
. Badenoch is right on this one, and I'm glad she's standing up for what's right 
. Farage needs to take responsibility for his actions and apologize sincerely, rather than trying to brush it off like nothing happened 
.
And Badenoch is right, apologizing for past wrongs is a big deal - it shows that you're willing to listen and learn from your mistakes... I just wish Farage's team could stop trying to spin this and just face the music 
I'm not saying he's a bad person or anything, but come on, 20 years ago? Can't we all just move on from that stuff? 
I remember back in my school days, if someone said something stupid, you'd get called out for it and then everyone would make fun of them. But now, it seems like some people can just say whatever they want without any consequences 
and it sounds soooo good! Like, who needs meat when you can have a flavorful stir-fry with all these amazing veggies? Anyway, back to politics... I wonder if they'll ever get a hold of those climate change effects in the UK? I mean, someone has to take responsibility for all that pollution and greenhouse gas nonsense 
. And what's with all these former classmates who are suddenly coming forward now? Can't they see this is just a witch hunt? 
). If you can't take the heat, get out of the kitchen, right? 
. What about people who say sorry and make amends? Does that even count for anything anymore? It seems like we're just living in a world where you have to be perfect 24/7 or else you're just trash 
I can totally see why Kemi Badenoch would be upset by Nigel Farage's comments... like, who hasn't said something hurtful or regrettable in school and wished they could take it back? 
. Farage's response trying to brush off these allegations as baseless is just gonna make him look even more dodgy 
Kemi Badenoch is totally in the right here 
she's standing up for what's right & not backing down from a fight 