An ITV journalist was shouted down during a Reform UK press briefing after asking Nigel Farage whether he would apologise for alleged racist and antisemitic remarks made during his school years.
The exchange came amid renewed scrutiny of claims, reported by The Guardian, that Farage engaged in repeated racist and antisemitic abuse while a pupil at Dulwich College in the 1970s and 1980s – allegations he has consistently denied.
🔷 Journalist interrupted after raising school-era allegations
During the briefing, Shehab Khan asked Farage whether he would apologise to former classmates who have accused him of racist and antisemitic behaviour.
As the question was posed, several people present shouted “boring”, interrupting the journalist and preventing a follow-up. Farage then dismissed the allegations as “made-up fantasies” and refused to issue any apology.
The incident has drawn criticism from media commentators and political opponents, who argue that journalists should be allowed to ask questions freely – particularly on matters involving allegations of racism and antisemitism.
🔷 Allegations reported by former classmates
The Guardian has reported that Peter Ettedgui, an Emmy- and Bafta-winning director who attended Dulwich College with Farage, alleged that Farage repeatedly made antisemitic remarks towards him as a teenager.
Ettedgui claimed Farage would say phrases such as “Hitler was right” or “gas them”, sometimes accompanied by hissing noises intended to evoke gas chambers. He said the behaviour was persistent and targeted.
More than two dozen former classmates have since spoken to the Guardian, describing what the newspaper characterised as a pattern of “deeply offensive” racist and antisemitic conduct. Several alleged Farage used racial slurs against pupils of South Asian heritage and made remarks referencing Enoch Powell.
Farage has denied all claims of racism or antisemitism, stating that any remarks made during his youth were “banter” reflective of the era and were not intended with malice.
🔷 Reform leadership rejects claims as politically motivated
Senior figures within Reform UK have strongly rejected the allegations. Deputy leader Richard Tice previously dismissed those making the claims as “liars”, accusing critics of attempting to damage the party for political reasons.
Farage has accused broadcasters – including the BBC and ITV – of unfair treatment, at one point threatening to boycott the BBC after a contentious interview on Radio 4’s Today programme.
He has also sought to contextualise the allegations by pointing to television programmes aired in the 1970s and 1980s that would now be considered racially offensive, arguing that cultural standards were different at the time.
🔷 Political reaction and wider fallout
The controversy has continued to reverberate across Westminster. Speaking in Glasgow earlier this month, Keir Starmer described Farage as “a toxic, divisive disgrace” following comments made by the Reform leader about language use in Scottish schools.
Starmer said Farage’s rhetoric sought to “tear communities apart”, adding that diversity and inclusion were strengths to be celebrated rather than attacked.
Meanwhile, press freedom groups have raised concerns about journalists being shouted down at political events, warning that such behaviour risks normalising hostility toward media scrutiny.
🔷 Allegations remain contested
Farage’s legal representatives have previously stated that suggestions he engaged in racist or antisemitic behaviour are “categorically denied”. While he has acknowledged that some comments made decades ago may be viewed differently today, he insists he never directly abused individuals with racist intent.
The claims remain allegations, with no formal legal findings made. However, the growing number of corroborating accounts has ensured the issue continues to follow the Reform leader as his party seeks to broaden its electoral appeal
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