Ukip supporter defends party against claims of racism on LBC radio: 'My daughter has a Chinese friend'
The caller then went on to use a racist term for Asian people
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.A Ukip supporter attempted to defend the party against allegations of homophobia and racism on the radio – before using an offensive term to describe a Chinese person live on air.
The caller, identified only as David in Basildon, called LBC in response to the question ‘Are Ukippers racist?’, following the resignation of party candidate Kerry Smith.
David, who said he joined the party four years ago, said the incident had been taken out of proportion and was not indicative of the overall attitude of Ukip’s members.
“I am not a racist, I am not homophobic,” he said.
“I have people who are gay as friends. My eldest daughter also has a Chinese friend.”
In recordings of phone calls heard by the Mail on Sunday Smith, the prospective MP for South Basildon and East Thurrock, was said to have mocked gay party members as “disgusting p*****rs”, referred to a woman with a Chinese name as a “C****y bird” and joked about shooting people from Chigwell in a “peasant hunt”.
However, David appeared to suggest that because the comments were made two years ago they were no longer relevant.
Presenter Nick Ferrari asked David if he had been using the offensive term to describe homosexuals two years ago. David replied that he had not and was then asked whether he had used the racist term for Asians.
“What, being c****y?” he said, before asking if he would be criticised for using the word “yank” to describe an American or “jap” to describe a Japanese person.
Ferrari replied: “It is nothing like the same. You know it is derogatory. ”
David then went on to defend Smith by saying he was under a lot of stress and taking a high dosage of pain relief when he made the remarks.
He said Smith was an “outspoken” person who wanted to get rid of the EU and “all the rubbish that they put on this country”.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments