UK media regulator Ofcom is to investigate “as a matter of urgency” an interview David Icke gave on Coronavirus. The interview on “London Real” has been taken down from a number of platforms, raising concerns over the censoring of alternative opinions.
I’m old enough to remember David Icke in his previous incarnation, as a BBC sports presenter with a nice line in sweaters.
He is, of course, better known today for his theories on world governance.
Some people love Icke, some seem to take delight in ridiculing him, some agree with him on some things but not others, some ignore him. That’s how it’s generally been since the 1980s. But in the last few years, a more sinister trend has emerged. There have been repeated attempts to get Icke banned. Complaints have been made to venues where’s he’s been due to appear. Some of these venues have subsequently cancelled Icke’s shows. In February last year, he was banned from entering Australia. His latest interview has already been taken down from Facebook and YouTube. Those responsible for the interview have claimed they‘ve also been banned from LinkedIn.
I think we should be more disturbed by the attempts to stop Icke from getting his views out than the actual views – whatever we may think of them. Free speech means free speech – if we start to say “well this individual doesn’t deserve free speech because I think his views are barmy or offensive to some”, then we’re on a very slippery slope indeed. David Icke has been called all manner of terrible things, but did respond to the allegations in a newspaper interview here.
Read More: Don’t Ban David Icke. Debate Him
