Kelvin MacKenzie, former editor of The Sun and a long-standing figure in tabloid journalism, has amassed a notorious reputation for a career steeped in controversy, racial insensitivity, and inflammatory rhetoric. While he has often painted himself as a provocateur and defender of free speech, his record suggests a consistent pattern of racism, bigotry, xenophobia, and classism.
Here is but one example exposed by Zarah.
And some more:
Hillsborough Disaster Smear (1989)
- As The Sun editor, ran false front page “The Truth” accusing Liverpool fans of theft and violence.
- Widely discredited; led to permanent boycott of The Sun in Merseyside.
Trinidad & Tobago Slur (2006)
- Referred to the football team as “drug dealers and pimps.”
- Accused of racism; dismissed backlash as “PC gone mad.”
Anti-Scottish Remarks (2006)
- Said he didn’t care about Scottish job losses as “they never vote for us.”
- Condemned as anti-Scottish and classist.
Attack on Fatima Manji (2016)
- Criticised Channel 4 for allowing a Muslim woman in hijab to present news after Nice terror attack.
- Over 1,700 complaints; suspended by The Sun.
Racist Slur Against Ross Barkley (2017)
- Compared the mixed-race footballer to a “gorilla” and suggested low intelligence.
- Dropped by The Sun after backlash.
Xenophobic Comments About Eastern Europeans
- Claimed Romanians and Bulgarians would “flood” Britain and bring crime.
- Reinforced anti-migrant stereotypes.
Derogatory Comments About Welsh People
- Mocked Welsh accents and called Wales “backward.”
- Used term “Taffies” derogatorily.
Sexist Remark About Arianna Huffington (2008)
- Called her a “Greek hooker” in a column.
- Part of wider pattern of misogyny.
Mockery of Disabled Children in Schools
- Opposed inclusive education, claiming it “ruined” classrooms.
- Belittled pupils with special needs.
Repeated Islamophobia
- Linked Muslim communities to terrorism and extremism.
- Opposed multiculturalism in columns and TV appearances.
Hostility Towards Refugees and Asylum Seekers
- Described them as “freeloaders” and “invaders.”
- Called for cutting all refugee intake.
Refusal to Take Responsibility
- Rarely apologised; often reversed or downplayed apologies.
- Dismissed criticism as “woke” or “snowflake” culture.
And yet more from this vile man:
Another fiend this mortal coil could do without.
