Nigel Farage’s recent praise for controversial influencer Andrew Tate has sparked intense debate, drawing both support and fierce criticism. Here’s the full story.
Praising Misogynist Tate
Nigel Farage, the leader of Reform UK, has caused outrage after The Guardian uncovered several podcasts in which Farage praised misogynist influencer Andrew Tate.
“Important Voice” for Men
Farage, who has been a contentious figure in British politics for years, has drawn criticism for describing Tate as an “important voice” for men.
Emasculated Young Men
In a February appearance on the Strike It Big podcast, Farage said Tate was an “important voice” for young men who he felt were being “emasculated.”
Masculinity Debate
Farage stated, “You are all kind of being told you can’t be blokes, you can’t do laddish, fun, bloke things … That’s almost what you’re being told. That masculinity is something we should look down upon, something we should frown upon. It’s like the men are becoming feminine and the women are becoming masculine and it’s a bit difficult to tell these days who’s what.”
Confidence Campaign
He added, “Tate fed into that by saying, ‘Hang on, what’s wrong with being a bloke? What’s wrong in male culture? What’s wrong in male humour?’ He fed into those things. His was a campaign of raising awareness, his was a campaign of giving people perhaps a bit of confidence at school or whatever it was to speak up.”
Extreme Statements
Farage acknowledged that Tate’s statements and behaviours were often extreme and that he had said some “pretty horrible” things. However, he maintained that Tate’s underlying message resonated with many young men who felt marginalised by contemporary cultural norms.
Hyper-Masculine Lifestyle
Andrew Tate, who promotes a hyper-masculine lifestyle, flaunting wealth, cars, and a playboy persona, has been a profoundly polarising figure, especially among young men.
Outright Misogyny
However, his rhetoric has often crossed into outright misogyny. Tate has been recorded saying that women belong in the home and are men’s property, and he has shared videos where he describes abusive behaviour towards women.
Misogynistic Views
He has also stated, “There’s no way you can be rooted in reality and not be sexist.”
Banned From Platforms
These views have led to his ban from major social media platforms like YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok. Since December 2022, Tate has also faced serious legal charges in Romania, including human trafficking and rape, which he denies.
Podcast Appearances
Over the past year, Farage has appeared on several podcasts and online shows aimed at young men, discussing topics ranging from diversity quotas to welfare dependency.
Diversity Criticism
In one interview, Farage criticised diversity hiring, “The banking sector, now full of idiots, people are promoted not because of ability, but ethnicity or gender.”
White Male Disenfranchisement
He added, “The white male – you lot – are going to feel the world’s against you. Andrew Tate tapped into that. You’re going to feel the world’s against you, you’re going to feel resentful and angry … These are massive cultural battles.”
Labour Criticism
Farage’s praise for Tate has drawn significant criticism from Alex Davies-Jones, a Labour candidate and shadow minister for domestic violence, who called Tate a “dangerous misogynist” who is “facing multiple charges of human trafficking and sexual offences”.
Dangerous Role Model
Davies-Jones stated, “Tate is not a positive role model for young boys. He will drag them down a horrific rabbit-hole of objectifying and abusing women. It is never just banter – it is part of a toxic culture that sadly often leads to violence.”
Standing by Comments
Despite the backlash, Farage has stood by his comments. During an encounter with supporters in Clacton-on-Sea, Farage reiterated his belief in Tate’s importance.
“The Gap”
Speaking to the PA News Agency, Farage stated, “He’s got a massive following, and that shows you how big the gap is. I mean, clearly he’s facing some serious allegations and has said some things that are difficult to level with, but the fact that he’s got the following shows you how big the gap is.”
Cultural Disconnect
Farage did not specify what “gap” he was referring to but suggested that Tate’s popularity indicated a significant disconnect between mainstream cultural narratives and the experiences of many young men.
Broader Implications
Farage’s endorsement of Tate has broader implications for public discourse on masculinity. By aligning himself with Tate, Farage hopes to tap into a demographic that feels disenfranchised by modern discussions around gender and equality.
Risks of Normalising Views
Though this strategy may help Farage garner support from young men who feel neglected by mainstream politics, it also risks normalising and legitimising profoundly harmful views about women and gender roles.
Potential Voter Alienation
Farage’s praise of Tate may also drive away many voters who feel that, even for Farage, praising a man whose views are so toxic that he has been banned from virtually every online platform and who is currently facing multiple charges of human trafficking may be a bridge too far.
Election Impact
As the election draws closer, it remains to be seen whether these most recent statements may slow down Farage on his eighth attempt to become an MP, following his previous seven failures.
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