Paloma Faith hits out at “right-wing idiots” amid UK riots: “I am proud of a Britain which is diverse”

7 August, 2024

Paloma Faith

Paloma Faith has hit out at “right-wing idiots” amid the UK’s ongoing riots.

The singer penned a heartfelt message on social media in which she mentioned her children, who are of North African heritage through her former partner Leyman Lahcine.

Faith, who was born in Hackney, London, to an English mother and Spanish father, wrote the caption: “My message to the right-wing idiots ruining our country.”

“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.”

She went on to say that she is “proud” of the UK, which she describes as “diverse, integrated and accepting of all cultures.” She continued: “We cannot scapegoat minorities for this country’s problems when in my experience all they have done is contribute to the rich diverse culture I grew up in that has shaped the best parts of me and the people I love and adore.”

She finished by saying, simply, “With all due respect to the right-wing fascists, f**k off.”

Faith, who released her sixth album ‘The Glorification of Sadness’ on February 16, is one of a number of artists to have spoken out about the riots, which began last week after being sparked by fake news reports that the suspect involved in the Southport stabbing on July 29 was an asylum seeker.

Massive Attack posted a statement on X (formerly Twitter) written by race equality think tank the Runnymede Trust, which read: “This 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.

“As far-right mobs threaten mosques, intimidate and harass people, and throw Nazi salutes, we offer our utmost solidarity to people of colour, and Muslim communities in particular.”

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.”

Meanwhile, Yard Act said: “Fuck Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, Fuck Nigel Farage, Fuck the EDL, Fuck Reform UK, Drown them all out. Don’t give them an inch.”

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

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