Rachel Riley edits anti-apartheid message on T-shirt accusing Jeremy Corbyn of racism
Many have called for her to be sacked by Channel 4
Jordyn DickinsonRachel Riley, best known for presenting Channel 4’s Countdown, tweeted a picture of herself wearing a T-shirt featuring a doctored picture of Labour Leader Jeremy Corbyn. The original image was of Corbyn taking part in an anti-apartheid demonstration during the 1980s, however the anti-apartheid message has been removed and replaced with “Jeremy Corbyn is a racist endeavour”.
The TV presenter, who is Jewish, created the T-shirt to criticise Corbyn over his response to accusations of anti-antisemitism in the Labour Party.
Referring to the recent ITV leaders debate, Riley stated: “I didn’t feel comfortable knowing my workplace was to be full of racists tonight. I don’t endorse Boris, but I do endorse #NeverCorbyn.”
Riley has used Twitter numerous times in the past to attack Jeremy Corbyn, including labelling him as an antisemite, accusing him of befriending terrorists, and “normalising abuse, abusers and racism.”
Many people have criticised Riley for doctoring the anti-apartheid message in the original image of Corbyn, with several calling for her to be sacked by Channel 4.
She has been accused of attempting to erase the struggles of people of colour who suffered under apartheid in South Africa for her own political gain.
Riley has since responded to the criticism on Twitter, saying: “Trying to brand me as racist for this, whist lauding themselves as anti-racist heroes, shows just how little regard many people have for anti-Jewish racism, and why I and many others speak so loudly. It’s a hatred which unites the far right, far left and is having a resurgence.
“I won’t dignify this with any further response & I won’t tolerate abuse from those who choose to rank one form of racism over another.”
The Labour Party have not commented on the matter.
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