The Independent's journalism is supported by our readers. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn commission.
Tinie Tempah says claims UK is less racist than US are the ‘height of ignorance’
‘It’s almost trying to smokescreen the fact that racism happens here,’ said the rapper
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.Tinie Tempah refuted claims that racism is "better" in the UK than the United States while discussing the death of George Floyd.
The rapper appeared on Sky News on Wednesday (3 June) to talk about Blackout Tuesday and the Black Lives Matter protests taking place across the US when he said that the UK was “not innocent” in the fight against racism.
“I’m even gonna go as far as to say, shame on you, whoever says that, shame on you. Because we all know that racism exists in the UK,” he said.
“Even for someone to say that officers aren’t armed, it’s almost excuses, almost trying to find a justification for why we are better or not.”
Tinie Tempah continued: “The fact is that racism is wrong. And if racism exists anywhere, on any level, it’s wrong. It’s inhumane. It’s evil.
“So for somebody to almost have the audacity to be like, ‘Oh, well, you know, our police officers aren’t armed and this wouldn’t happen in the UK,’ it’s the height of ignorance and it’s almost trying to smokescreen the fact that racism happens here.
“What are you trying to say? You’re trying to say that racism here is less harsh? Are you trying to say racism is better? Because none of these things are applicable to the word racism.”
The rapper echoed thoughts expressed by George The Poet on Monday’s Newsnight, with the podcaster describing “disturbing parallels between the Black British experience and the African American experience”.
“When you talk about the history of race relations, you have to consider the role of the British Empire on the African content and the political and economic consequences of that interaction,” George the Poet said.
Enjoy unlimited access to 100 million ad-free songs and podcasts with Amazon Music
Sign up now for a 4 month free trial (3 months for non-Prime members)
Enjoy unlimited access to 100 million ad-free songs and podcasts with Amazon Music
Sign up now for a 4 month free trial (3 months for non-Prime members)
“What is the situation that we’re dealing with today? This is very contemporary and I hope this is a learning point for many people who think along the lines that you just expressed, that this is an American and not a British issue.”