Romesh Ranganathan has responded to the backlash that arose after he donated his Celebrity Traitors winnings to a refugee charity, revealing how it ‘galvanised’ support
Romesh Ranganathan has defended choosing to donate his Celebrity Traitors winnings to a refugee charity. The comedian won the show alongside Sebastian Croft, and both winners picked charities that try to help asylum seekers and displaced communities in Britain and around the world.
Romesh, 48, donated £41,500, half the total prize pot, to the Refugee Council, while Sebastian donated his half to Choose Love. Both celebrities were subject to backlash from a vocal minority, some of whom protested against the BBC because they felt the money should go to “proper British charities” – though few examples of such charities were mentioned by those protesting.
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On Sebastian’s Sunday Scaries podcast, Romesh spoke about the “anger” directed towards them, defending his decision. “I know that you volunteered for Choose Love when you were younger,” Romesh said to Sebastian. “And I had got involved with Refugee Council because I got so fed up of the rhetoric against refugees and how these people are being demonised.
“I feel like… Look, people have different opinions, but I feel like [refugees are] a distraction tactic, and people are being pointed in that direction for something to blame, is my personal opinion.”
He said that the “angry” voices were “amplified” because it was a “fun angle”, and praised those who came out in support of the charities and refugees. “Loads of people have come out in support. And actually, the people kicking off about it has kind of galvanised the people who think it’s a lovely thing.”
Sebastian added that he was not aware Romesh had planned to donate his winnings to a refugee charity and said it was “a nice moment” at the time, even if that was potentially soured by the reaction online.
“Then to see the response, what it made me realise is that’s people’s response to a game show donating money to people who are really vulnerable. Imagine how difficult it is for those people navigating that system.”
The Refugee Council seek to help those in the UK who have fled war, violence and persecution to help them rebuild their lives, including by finding housing and employment.
Meanwhile, Choose Love is focused on displaced communities across the globe and tries to get emergency aid, such as food, water, shelter and medical care to those who have been forced out of their homes.
Following their win, Romesh also donated some of his own money to James Blunt’s organisation, the Blue Marine Foundation. This is despite Romesh and Sebastian teaming up to banish James in the final vote.
Speaking to Hits Radio, James said: “Romesh is a very very sweet human being, and I promise he and I get on very very well.” After dispelling rumours of a feud, he was asked if Romesh had donated to his charity and said: “He has done. I was going to save that for a conversation I was having with him, but you know, if you’re going to mention it, he absolutely has.”
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