Nigel Farage lashed out at a BBC journalist at the Reform UK conference, refusing to answer questions about racism allegations he denies. When pressed on whether he agreed with deputy Richard Tice’s claim that accusers are lying, Farage retorted, “No, I’m done with you.”
He branded the questioning “despicable,” then launched a blistering attack on the BBC for “double standards and hypocrisy” citing controversial 1970s and 80s shows like Are You Being Served?, It Ain’t Half Hot Mum, and the Black and White Minstrel Show.
“I cannot put up with the double standards of the BBC about what I’m alleged to have said 49 years ago, and what you were putting out on mainstream content,” Farage declared.
Demanding BBC Apology Before Talking Again
Farage escalated the standoff by demanding a full BBC apology for its historic programmes before engaging with its reporters further. “I want an apology from the BBC for virtually everything you did throughout the 1970s and 80s. Until you apologise… I’m not speaking to you,” he snapped.
Finishing the confrontation, Farage slammed the broadcaster for hypocrisy and refused any more interaction. “I am sick to death of the double standards and hypocrisy above all of your organisation. I’m done with you,” he said before walking off.
Farage Reads Letter From Jewish Schoolmate Defending Him
During his speech, Farage shared a letter from a Jewish former Dulwich College pupil who defended him against racism claims.
“While there was plenty of macho tongue-in-cheek schoolboy banter… it was humour, and yes, sometimes it was offensive, but never with malice. I never heard him racially abuse anyone. If he had, he would have been reported and punished. He wasn’t.”
The letter dismissed the accusations as “politically dubious recollections from nearly half a century ago,” adding: “Farage stood out, but he was neither aggressive nor a racist.” Farage said he’s received “plenty” of similar supportive messages since the allegations surfaced.
Reform UK Claims BBC Bias Against Party
Farage’s outburst comes as Reform UK unveiled a report accusing the BBC of bias against them. Party figures Zia Yusuf and Richard Tice told GB News the broadcaster disproportionately highlights Reform’s negative stories.
“The BBC seems absolutely obsessed with reporting negative news about Reform councillors,” Yusuf claimed. “They’re six times more likely to report when a Reform councillor loses the whip compared to Labour or Tories.”
Yusuf argued Tory and Labour councillors have lost the whip far more often, yet the BBC reportedly focuses on Reform issues. He framed Farage’s row with the BBC as part of a “very long pattern of hostility.”
