Nigel Farage Claims Calling Kemi Badenoch A 'Nigerian Scammer' Is Not 'Intentionally Racist'

Nigel Farage has claimed that calling Kemi Badenoch a “Nigerian scammer” is not “intentionally racist” in a toe-curling interview. Raheem Kassam, a political activist and former Ukip adviser, is now a high-profile Reform UK supporter. He questioned on X whether the Tory leader was a “walking gaffe or an illegal immigrant”, warned people not to give her their bank details and called her a “Nigerian scammer. Conservative chairman Kevin Hollinrake then accused Kassam of launching “racist slurs” at the leader of the opposition.

Asked if this was a racist remark on BBC Breakfast, Farage dodged the question, saying Kassam was now based in America and was never his chief of staff. The Reform UK leader then added: “He’s Indian! He’s of Indian heritage!” “Does that mean he can’t be racist?” Presenter Sally Nugent asked. “I don’t know, you tell me,” Farage replied. “As far as ‘scammer’ is concerned, it’s a strong word but it’s pretty clear that Kemi Badenoch does not tell the truth about what has happened.”

He added: “This is a cultural argument about whether Kemi Badenoch, who grew up in Nigeria, considers herself Nigerian or British. It’s not a debate or argument I’m going to get involved in.” “So she’s a scammer? So you would support those comments?” Nugent asked. Farage said scammer means someone who does not tell the truth. Nugent continued to push him to ask if this was a racist remark, while the Reform UK leader said it was not a debate he wanted to get involved in.

Reminded that Kassam is a close associate of his party, Farage said: “So what? People say all sorts of things on Twitter every single day.” He added: “I don’t think saying someone grew up in Nigeria is racist. I don’t think it is. You tell me. What do you think?” As Nugent asked once more about the “Nigerian scammer” remark, Farage said: “All sorts of rude things get said on Twitter between people every single day. “Do I think the comment was over the top?

Yes I do. Do I think it was intentionally racist? No I don’t.” Watch the tense exchange below. Farage’s comments come after two other Reform UK MPs were questioned over Kassam’s remarks. Danny Kruger dismissed it as “a bit of rambunctious debate online”, while Robert Jenrick just refused to discuss “what a journalist has tweeted”. Listen to Commons People, the podcast that makes politics easy. Every week, Kevin Schofield and Kate Nicholson unpack the week’s biggest stories to keep you informed.

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