Nigel Farage, the former Brexit Party leader and current contestant on ITV’s I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here!, has been caught on tape using the term ‘Black Africa’ in a disparaging way during the 2019 election campaign. The footage, which was obtained by The Guardian, shows Farage complaining about the criticism he was facing from the media and the public over his views on immigration and race.
In the video, which was recorded in November 2019, Farage is seen addressing a crowd of supporters in Doncaster, South Yorkshire. He says: “I’ve been attacked for being anti-immigrant, anti-Black, anti-Muslim, anti-Jewish, anti-everything. It’s absolute nonsense. I’ve travelled the world. I’ve been to 35 different countries. I’ve been to Black Africa. I’ve seen the conditions they live in. I’ve seen the poverty, the disease, the corruption. I’ve seen it all. And I tell you what, I don’t want any of that here.”
According to Mirror, Farage’s use of the term ‘Black Africa’ has been widely condemned as racist and offensive, as it implies that the continent of Africa is homogenous and inferior. The term also echoes the colonial and apartheid-era language that was used to justify the oppression and exploitation of African people. Many critics have pointed out that Farage’s claim of travelling the world and seeing different cultures does not absolve him of his bigotry and ignorance.
Farage’s remarks have also been contrasted with his appearance on I’m A Celebrity, where he is competing with other celebrities for the public’s votes and the chance to win £100,000 for charity. Farage, who is reportedly being paid up to £1.5 million for his participation, has been involved in several controversies and clashes on the show, such as his argument with Nella Rose over cultural appropriation, his mockery of Josie Gibson’s accent, and his insensitive comments about Jamie Lynn Spears’ mental health.
Farage has also been accused of being censored and sidelined by ITV, as his allies claim that the broadcaster is deliberately giving him less airtime and editing out his positive interactions with other campmates. They allege that ITV is trying to prevent Farage from winning the show, as he is seen as a threat to the establishment and the status quo. ITV has denied these allegations, and said that Farage is being treated fairly and equally to the other contestants.
Farage’s popularity and reputation have suffered a significant decline since he led the campaign for Brexit in 2016, and subsequently resigned from his political roles. He has been criticised for his divisive and inflammatory rhetoric, his lack of accountability and responsibility, and his opportunism and hypocrisy. He has also been involved in several legal battles and scandals, such as his alleged affair with a French politician, his misuse of EU funds, and his breach of Covid-19 rules.
Farage has said that he joined I’m A Celebrity to show a different side of himself, and to challenge himself and have fun. He has also said that he wants to use his platform and influence to promote his views and values, and to support causes that are close to his heart, such as veterans and fishing communities. However, his appearance on the show has been met with backlash and boycotts from many viewers, who have expressed their disgust and disappointment with ITV for giving him a platform and a chance to redeem himself.
