Romesh Ranganathan has responded to the backlash he faced after donating his Celebrity Traitors winnings to a refugee charity, saying the criticism actually "galvanised" support for the cause.
The comedian, 48, won the show alongside Sebastian Croft, with both choosing to donate their share of the prize pot to charities supporting asylum seekers and displaced communities. Romesh gave £41,500, half the total prize money, to the Refugee Council, while Sebastian donated his half to Choose Love.
Backlash Over Donation Choice
A vocal minority criticised the pair, with some protesting to the BBC over the decision, arguing the money should go to "proper British charities" - though few examples of such charities were mentioned by those protesting.
Speaking on Sebastian's Sunday Scaries podcast, Romesh discussed the "anger" directed towards them and defended his choice. He explained that he became involved with the Refugee Council because he was "so fed up of the rhetoric against refugees and how these people are being demonised."
Romesh's Response to Criticism
Romesh said the "angry" voices were "amplified" because it was a "fun angle," and praised those who came out in support of the charities and refugees. "Loads of people have come out in support. And actually, the people kicking off about it has kind of galvanised the people who think it’s a lovely thing," he said.
Sebastian added that he was not aware Romesh had planned to donate his winnings to a refugee charity and described it as "a nice moment" at the time, even if that was potentially soured by the reaction online. "Then to see the response, what it made me realise is that’s people’s response to a game show donating money to people who are really vulnerable. Imagine how difficult it is for those people navigating that system," he said.
Charities and Additional Donation
The Refugee Council helps those in the UK who have fled war, violence and persecution to rebuild their lives, including by finding housing and employment. Choose Love focuses on displaced communities across the globe, providing emergency aid such as food, water, shelter and medical care to those forced out of their homes.
Following their win, Romesh also donated some of his own money to James Blunt's organisation, the Blue Marine Foundation, despite Romesh and Sebastian teaming up to banish James in the final vote.
Speaking to Hits Radio, James said: "Romesh is a very very sweet human being, and I promise he and I get on very very well." After dispelling rumours of a feud, he confirmed the donation, saying: "He has done. I was going to save that for a conversation I was having with him, but you know, if you’re going to mention it, he absolutely has."
