Twenty-six former schoolmates of Nigel Farage have united to demand the Reform UK leader apologise for alleged racist and antisemitic behavior during his time at Dulwich College in south London.
The unprecedented open letter, signed by 25 former pupils and one ex-teacher, represents the first collective action by those who attended the prestigious private school with Farage during the mid-1970s and 1980s.
Allegations of Exceptional Behavior
The signatories accused Farage of holding "racist, antisemitic and fascist views" during his school years. They emphasized that his alleged conduct stood out even by the standards of that era.
"They did not order a Black child of nine to ten years of age to go back to Africa, as you did," the letter states. "They did not chant vile racist ditties, as you did. Your behaviour was exceptional, even for those times."
The letter's release follows weeks of mounting allegations from former classmates who have come forward with detailed accounts of Farage's alleged behavior.
Growing List of Accusers
Among those who have spoken publicly is Yinka Bankole, who claims he was singled out for harassment by a 17-year-old Farage shortly after starting at the school. Bankole alleges Farage told him "that's the way back to Africa" while pointing in a specific direction.
This incident echoes similar cases of high-profile figures facing scrutiny over past conduct that have surfaced in recent years.
Peter Ettedgui, a BAFTA-winning director, has also accused Farage of antisemitic remarks, including allegedly telling Jewish students "Hitler was right" and saying "gas them".
More than two dozen former classmates have now provided accounts alleging they witnessed deeply offensive racist or antisemitic behavior from the Reform UK leader.
School Responds to Controversy
Dulwich College broke its silence on the allegations, with current master Robert Milne describing the claims as "profoundly distressing" in correspondence with former pupils.
"Such behaviour is wholly incompatible with the values the college holds," Milne wrote. He emphasized that the behaviors described are "entirely at odds with the Dulwich College of today." Itv
The school had initially avoided public statements to protect its reputation, but mounting pressure from alumni forced an institutional response.
Holocaust Survivors Add Voices
The controversy intensified when 11 Holocaust survivors demanded Farage apologise over the reported antisemitic remarks.
"As Holocaust survivors, we understand the danger of hateful words – because we have seen where such words lead," they wrote. "Let us be clear: praising Hitler, mocking gas chambers, or hurling racist abuse is not banter. Not in a playground. Not anywhere," Times of Israel
Three Key Demands
The open letter from former schoolmates concludes with three specific demands for Farage:
- Recognise that these events happen. ed
- Apologise for them
- Make it clear he has renounced the racist, antisemitic, and fascist views expressed at Dulwich.
"While we agree no one should be judged in later life based on what they have said or done in their youth, those seeking high office need to own their past and demonstrate honesty," the letter states.
Farage's Response
Farage has consistently denied the allegations, claiming he never abused classmates "in a hurtful or insulting way" or engaged in direct personal abuse.
UK Attorney General Richard Hermer, who is Jewish, described Farage's "constantly changing story" as "unconvincing, to say the least."leftfootforward
"Arguing that 20 people have somehow all misremembered the same things about his nasty behaviour simply isn't credible," Hermer stated.
Reform UK has dismissed the allegations as a "witch hunt," while Farage expressed surprise at Dulwich College master's comments.
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