Nigel Farage has lashed out at broadcasters over allegations of racism and antisemitism during his school days, as the number of former Dulwich College pupils coming forward to the Guardian reached 28. The Reform UK leader, in a heated press conference in London, suggested he would boycott the BBC and criticised ITV, repeatedly shouting “Bernard Manning” – a reference to the late comedian known for racist material.
Farage’s outburst comes as his party’s poll ratings have slipped. Five more former classmates have now alleged they witnessed deeply offensive racist or antisemitic behaviour by him. Among them is Peter Ettedgui, an Emmy- and Bafta-winning director, who claims Farage repeatedly growled “Hitler was right” or “Gas them” at him. Nick Hearn, a banker and self-described conservative, corroborated Ettedgui’s account, calling the abuse “personal [and] vindictive” rather than mere banter.
Mark Bridges, another former pupil, described Farage as “a racist bully” who tormented Ettedgui. The Guardian also obtained the 1980 school roll, showing 13 Patels and 12 Smiths, supporting claims that Farage burned a school roll and fixated on the name Patel. One former pupil of Asian background said Farage used “Enoch Powell was right” as racial intimidation, while another recalled him shouting out “Patel” aggressively during assembly.
Reform deputy leader Richard Tice has dismissed all accusers as liars. However, Hearn urged Farage to “come clean” and apologise for his “inappropriate behaviour as a young man”. The controversy continues to mount as more former schoolmates speak out.
