A 21-year-old fitness influencer with a substantial social media following has been widely condemned after posting a video containing a vile racist rant online. Anya Chappell, who boasts nearly 70,000 followers on TikTok, filmed herself walking through a town centre while wearing a Sunderland football shirt and yelling racist insults at passersby.
Details of the Offensive Video
In the clip, which was originally shared on Snapchat before spreading to X and other platforms, Chappell is seen shouting into the camera with aggressive and derogatory language targeting black and South Asian communities. She makes threatening remarks and responds angrily to a car horn, using profanity and racial slurs. The video quickly gained traction online, drawing sharp criticism from viewers and anti-racism advocates.
Public and Organizational Responses
Amir Ma, a member of the group Expose Racism, highlighted the public nature of the clip and its widespread sharing. He emphasized that the language used was openly racist and degrading, calling on businesses associated with Chappell to take action. Specifically, he urged Fitness 2000, a Sunderland gym linked to her, to address the issue.
Les Ojugbana, the owner of Fitness 2000 and a self-described proud Nigerian, swiftly distanced the gym from Chappell's post. He clarified that she does not work at the gym and has not been employed there for almost a year, having only used the facilities as a self-employed personal trainer temporarily. While condemning her statements as vile and disgusting, Ojugbana appealed for restraint and understanding, noting her youth and potential for learning from the mistake. He warned against excessive social media attacks that could lead to severe consequences like self-harm.
Community and Fan Reactions
The incident resonated within the Sunderland football community, where Chappell is a fervent supporter. In a direct response to the viral video, Sunderland supporters displayed a Show Racism The Red Card banner during a home match against Brighton and Hove Albion. Fans also took to social media to denounce her behavior, with one supporter, Harry McBeth, calling the video grim and stressing the importance of calling out such actions within the fanbase to eradicate racism.
Chappell's Background and Business
Anya Chappell advertises her personal training services at £27 per hour, describing herself as a fully qualified personal trainer with additional credentials in sports nutrition. Earlier this year, she reflected on a challenging period, thanking clients for their support and emphasizing self-prioritization and health in her social media posts.
When approached for comment at her home in Sunderland, Chappell was unavailable, and her mother stated that she does not wish to speak and wants to be left alone. The video has sparked broader discussions about accountability, racism in online spaces, and the responsibilities of influencers and businesses in diverse communities.
