Former Schoolmates Challenge Farage's 'Banter' Defence
Three additional former pupils from Dulwich College have come forward to challenge Reform UK leader Nigel Farage's characterisation of his alleged teenage racist and antisemitic behaviour as mere 'banter'. The witnesses describe the behaviour as persistent, targeted, and intentionally hurtful, directly contradicting Farage's recent statements.
Detailed Accounts of Alleged Abuse
Stefan Benarroch, who was two years below Farage, recalled how Jewish students became targets after assemblies. 'They would hang out there. Farage would hang out with his minions. And then they would taunt us as we would leave', Benarroch stated. He specifically remembered Farage making life 'a fucking nightmare' for Peter Ettedgui, describing Ettedgui as 'such a gentle soul'.
Cyrus Oshidar, who was in the same year as Farage, directly challenged the Reform leader's denial of intent to hurt. 'Being called a Paki isn't hurtful?' Oshidar asked, calling Farage's claims 'rubbish'. He described the alleged behaviour as 'the same sort of noise that came out of him every day', noting that while others used similar language, Farage was distinctive for his regularity.
Rickard Berg, another contemporary, characterised Farage as a 'typical bully' who picked on those who wouldn't fight back. Berg recalled hearing Farage sing 'Gas 'em all' to Ettedgui and stated unequivocally: 'He's now in a position where he shouldn't be denying this. He's straight up lying'.
Farage's Evolving Response to Allegations
The allegations span six years of Farage's education, from age 13 to 18. The Guardian investigation has now spoken to more than 20 people who allege witnessing racist or antisemitic behaviour by Farage during his school years.
Farage initially broke his silence on Monday, nearly a week after the Guardian published its investigation. In a broadcast interview, he appeared to admit to saying things that could be construed as prejudiced today but denied any 'intent' to inflict hurt. He described the behaviour as potential 'banter in a playground' and suggested those speaking out were politically motivated.
However, following fresh allegations presented by the Guardian on Tuesday, Farage changed his stance again, stating categorically: 'I can tell you categorically that I did not say the things that have been published in the Guardian aged 13, nearly 50 years ago'. He accused the Guardian of wanting to 'smear anybody who talks about the immigration issue'.
Peter Ettedgui, an Emmy- and Bafta-winning director who alleges Farage told him 'Hitler was right' and 'gas them', wrote in the Guardian: 'Well, he did directly target me and I can tell you that it did hurt. How did he think it would make me feel?'
Benarroch also took issue with Farage's suggestion that witnesses weren't telling the truth, calling this 'the oldest of the antisemitic tropes' akin to claiming a worldwide Jewish conspiracy.
