Entertainment world reacts to UK anti-racism protests: “We must not remain silent”

8 August, 2024

Anti-racism counter protesters assemble ahead of a potential anti-immigration protest on August 7, 2024

The world of entertainment has responded after thousands of anti-racism protestors have rallied together in cities across the UK, following countless anti-immigrant riots breaking out across the country.

Rioting was sparked last week following the fatal stabbing of three children at a Taylor Swift-inspired dance class in Southport. Soon after the incident, misinformation appeared online, falsely claiming that the suspect was a Muslim asylum seeker.

Shortly afterwards, huge groups took to the streets around the country to riot and cause violence and disorder. Numerous Mosques and hotels housing asylum seekers were targeted, as were various shops and libraries which were burnt out and looted.

At the time of writing, over 400 arrests have been made in relation to the riots, and over 140 people have been charged by police (via BBC). Three have already been given jail sentences for their actions during the riots.

Now, thousands of anti-racism protestors have rallied together nationwide, gathering in locations where the anti-immigration protests were expected, to share a counter message of acceptance and support for those victimised.

Hundreds of anti-racism protesters gather in Birmingham on August 7, 2024
Hundreds of anti-racism protesters gather in Birmingham on August 7, 2024. CREDIT: Thomas Krych/Anadolu via Getty Images

These included around 1,500 gathering in Bristol, 2,000 in Brighton, 1,000 in Newcastle, and hundreds in Liverpool. Thousands also gathered in Walthamstow and North Finchley, London, to share their solidarity and chant “Refugees are welcome here”.

While a handful of arrests were still made during these events, the police confirmed that the anti-racism protests were peaceful.

Now, famous faces from across the entertainment industry have taken to social media to share their responses to the anti-fascist protests, and express their solidarity with those victimised during the riots.

Billy Bragg, for instance, took to X to re-share footage of a reported 10,000 people gathering at an “anti-fascist rally in Walthamstow, East London”.

“The spirit of Cable Street has been manifested across our country tonight,” he wrote. “All over England people from different creeds and communities have come together to send a message to the racists: No Pasaran!”

Nadine Shah also shared her support, writing on the platform: “The hate demonstrated tonight doesn’t represent us as a nation. This tiny island is populated with beautiful people from all over the world. The cultures shared make this place richer.

“I’m grateful to be a second generation immigrant. You’re welcome round mine for a curry anytime.”

Both Lauren Mayberry of Chvrches and Garbage posted on Instagram, with the former sharing a series of photos and writing “Horrified and devastated by what’s happening in the UK right now. What a world to be living in”, and the latter adding: “Keep your city clean, destroy fascism.”

Tim Burgess shared a photo of two elderly women seen at the anti-racism demonstrations, each holding up placards that read “Grannies against fascism”, while The Last Leg host Adam Hills showed his support for those gathering in East London to spread the message of acceptance.

Elsewhere, host and journalist Amelia Dimoldenberg encouraged her followers to sign a petition urging “MPs to prioritise community cohesion within towns all over the UK”, and wrote: “After the violence caused by the far-right this past week across the UK, it’s clear that marginalised communities in this country need our support. We must not remain silent in the face of Islamophobia and racism.”

Rebecca Lucy Taylor, aka Self Esteem, also took to Instagram Stories to write: “Stay safe, only do what you are able. The goal is a physical showing of support and community, NOT violence.

“White people step up […] standing back and ignoring it, feeling sure you’ve done your bit by not ‘being racist’ is a fallacy born out of complacency and individualism.”

Find more responses below.

Prior to this, Paloma Faith hit out at “right-wing idiots” in the UK, sharing: “As the mother of two half-Muslim North African children and as a born and raised resident and proud member of the Hackney community. I stand vehemently against racism of any kind.”

Nova Twins said: “These actions distract from the grief and empathy owed to the Southport victims and their families. The heartbreaking incident of violence towards young girls should be met with compassion and solidarity.”

Massive Attack commented: “Violent racism has long been simmering under the surface. What is happening is the direct result of years of normalised racism and Islamophobia, enabled by politicians and the British media.”

Other musicians to speak up have included KNEECAP, Get Cape. Wear Cape. Fly, Yard Act and Taylor Swift – as the attack took place at a Swift-themed yoga and dance workshop.

The latter wrote on Instagram: “The horror of yesterday’s attack in Southport is washing over me continuously and I’m just completely in shock. The loss of life and innocence, and the horrendous trauma inflicted on everyone who was there, the families and first responders.

“These were just little kids at a dance class. I am at a complete loss for how to ever convey my sympathies to these families.”

After the event, Swifties launched a fundraiser to raise funds for the families of those killed and injured at the Southport stabbing. At time of writing, it has reached over £370,000 in donations.

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