UMVA has learned that a shocking misquote has been at the center of a heated controversy surrounding Nigel Farage's comments on the murder of 18-year-old Henry Nowak.
The Reform UK leader was wrongly quoted as saying people should respond to the tragic death with a "white, cold rage," sparking concerns of a racial element to his remarks. However, Farage actually said "pure, cold rage" in response to the murder.
The mistake was made during a Newsnight interview, and the BBC was forced to broadcast an on-air apology on Wednesday night's episode of the show. The misquote was widely criticized, with Farage's legal team requesting the apology.
Matt Chorley, the journalist responsible for the error, took to social media to admit his mistake, saying: "I owe Nigel Farage an apology. During last night's Newsnight we covered the murder of Henry Nowak and the political reaction to the case, including discussing Nigel Farage's comments about 'pure, cold rage'. However I referred to 'white cold rage'."
The controversy comes after Henry Nowak's murder sparked a national outcry over police handling of the case. Nowak was handcuffed as he lay dying, and an officer initially expressed doubt that he had been stabbed.
Farage's comments on the case have been seen as an example of the charged emotions surrounding the topic. He said: "Was I angry watching what had happened? Yeah, I bet you were too. Millions of us were. In fact, it's hard to be a human being and not be angry watching it. But I suggested that rage was put in a cold way, not a hot way."
In contrast, Henry's father, Mark, urged calm and emphasized that his son's death should not be used to create division, hatred, or tension. He said: "We do not want his death to be used to create further division, hatred or tension. We want his story to make our streets safer for everyone."
