Jon Snow cleared over remark he made about 'white people' at pro-Brexit rally

Controversial remarks: Jon Snow delivering a broadcast outside Parliament in March
Channel 4
Eleanor Rose5 August 2019

Channel 4 News host Jon Snow has been cleared of wrongdoing by Ofcom over a remark he made about a pro-Brexit demonstration in March.

In the comment, which sparked 2,600 complaints to the regulator, Mr Snow observed that he had "never seen so many white people in one place".

The watchdog has ruled that the remarks did not breach its code.

Ofcom also found that Nigel Farage's comment on LBC radio two days later - when he said Snow "should be attacked" over the remarks - did not breach its code.

That comment received seven complaints.

Brexit Party leader Nigel Farage
Getty Images

Mr Farage later said he meant Snow should be verbally attacked, not physically.

Snow made the "white people" remark as pro-Brexit protestors gathered in Westminster on March 29, the day originally earmarked for Brexit.

"It has been the most extraordinary day... I've never seen so many white people in one place. It's an extraordinary story," said the veteran presenter.

Channel 4 apologised at the time for any offence caused and said: “This was an unscripted observation at the end of a very long week of fast-moving Brexit developments.”

In the case with Ofcom, the broadcaster defended Snow on the grounds he had the right to make the comment because it was based in fact and not derogatory.

“There was no negative or pejorative language, tone, intent or implication behind it … he was entitled to point to this unusual situation,” it said.

On Mr Farage's own radio show, the Brexit Party leader said two days after Snow's comments: "Well I think Jon Snow should be attacked without doubt, but that's slightly a separate issue."

The regulator said the words "had the clear potential to be interpreted by the audience as a reference to the use of physical violence against Jon Snow".

However, Mr Farage clarified his remarks on air four minutes later, saying: "No! Verbally. Verbally attacked for his disgraceful coverage of the Leave rally on Friday."

LBC also argued that Mr Farage condemned attacks against journalists. Ofcom cleared him of wrongdoing.

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