A series of unearthed video clips are creating a firestorm for Nigel Farage, leader of Reform UK. The recordings reveal Farage reciting phrases with deeply troubling undertones, and appearing to endorse events linked to extremist ideologies.
Among the most concerning is a video showing Farage uttering the phrase, “If in doubt, keep them out.” He also appears to promote a Canadian event called the ‘Road Rage Terror Tour,’ hosted by Diagolon, a group the former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau labeled a “white nationalist violent organization.” Farage’s contribution to the event’s promotion was a seemingly innocuous statement: “You never know, you might walk out saying Road Rage Terror Tour is the best thing that ever happened.”
The controversy doesn’t end there. Another Cameo video surfaced, reportedly containing “vulgar sexual references,” recorded on the day of the late Queen’s funeral. Further scrutiny revealed a message recorded for an individual sentenced to 16 months for involvement in a far-right riot, where Farage offered words of encouragement, stating, “I’m with you… keep believing in the right things.”
Farage initially joined Cameo in March 2021, a platform where fans can request personalized video messages from celebrities. His videos, starting at just over £70, reportedly generated tens of thousands of pounds last year. A Reform spokesperson attempted to downplay the significance of the videos, suggesting they shouldn’t be interpreted as political endorsements, but rather as celebratory messages for fans.
When confronted about the videos during a broadcast interview, Farage dismissed the criticism as “ludicrous,” drawing a comparison to a shoe shop selling shoes to a convicted murderer. He also reportedly lashed out at a Guardian reporter, calling them a “loser.”
This isn’t the first time Farage’s Cameo appearances have drawn negative attention. Earlier this year, he was tricked into recording a video that appeared to be a tribute to Ian Watkins, a convicted paedophile. His response was to request further payment, stating, “Tell him to send more. I did alter his request.”
Past controversies include a video from 2021 showing Farage raising a drink and using the pro-IRA slogan “up the Ra,” a phrase he later claimed he didn’t understand the implications of. Meanwhile, another Reform MP, Lee Anderson, faces allegations of violating parliamentary rules by filming Cameo videos within his office, a practice prohibited for commercial activities.
While a Reform spokesperson stated Anderson donated any proceeds from his Cameo videos to charity, the unfolding series of revelations raises serious questions about Farage’s judgment and the vetting process – or lack thereof – surrounding his use of the platform.
