Activist who introduced Corbyn ‘appalled’ over anti-Semitic, racist tweets
Bethany Barker apologises for racist and homophobic messages tweeted years ago
A Labour activist who introduced Jeremy Corbyn at his local election campaign launch has apologised for sending “anti-Semitic, homophobic and racist” tweets.
Bethany Barker added that she has resigned as general secretary of Nottingham Labour Students.
Miss Barker asked for others to “not cast me aside for the mistakes I made when I was a child” after labelling her comments “outrageous and wrong”.
She appeared on stage before Labour leader Mr Corbyn made a speech in Newark, Nottinghamshire, last month.
Miss Barker, in a statement posted on Facebook, said: “As some of you may have seen online, some anti-Semitic, homophobic, and racist tweets have resurfaced from my old Twitter account from 2012-14.
“I understand the upset that these comments have caused and I want to extend my sincerest apologies to anyone that I have offended.
“I am appalled and ashamed by these comments and I condemn them in their entirety; they are outrageous and wrong and I should have never said them.”
Miss Barker said she has extended her apologies to the African and Caribbean Society, Jewish and Israeli Society, LGBT+ Network and BAME Network.
She went on: “I would like to take this opportunity to apologise to all of you reading this too.
“These views are clearly not in line with what I believe today and do not reflect my character.
“I have grown up, developed and matured a lot since I was 14 years old to the point where, looking back, I find it hard to recognise that person as myself.
“I am proud of how far I have come since then and will do everything in my power to make amends for the mistakes that I have made.”
Bethany’s tweets pictured below, feature offensive and racist language:
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