Zadie Smith’s brother Ben says author left America to avoid ‘racist idiot’ Trump
Actor said sister has moved back to London in midst of ‘racial, cultural revolution’
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Zadie Smith decided to leave her home in America and return to London because of “racist idiot” Donald Trump, the author’s brother has claimed.
Speaking on the My Mate Bought a Toaster podcast, Ben Bailey Smith revealed Zadie is leaving New York after having lived there for at least 10 years.
On her reasons for moving back to the UK, Ben said: “If you think about it, if you’re a black person, living in corona time New York, in the midst of what looks like perhaps a revolution - a racial, cultural revolution – underneath a mentally-challenged, racist idiot of a president, it might be time to up sticks, you know?"
Zadie has previously been publicly critical of Trump, saying in 2016 that he is “reminiscent of a 6-year-old child,” with “no culpability ever”. She also said he is “never guilty”, “fact-free” and “always in the right to the point of insanity”.
The author recently released Intimations, a collection of essays written in lockdown.
Ben can next be seen in the ITV drama Des alongside David Tennant and Daniel Mays.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments