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Dr Ranj criticises British Curry Awards for 'racist' joke

LONDON, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 11: Dr Ranj Singh speaks on stage at the European Diversity Awards at Intercontinental Hotel on November 11, 2022 in London, England. (Photo by Joe Maher/Getty Images)
Dr Ranj Singh hit out at the British Curry Awards. (Getty Images)

Dr Ranj Singh has hit out at the British Curry Awards over their lack of Asian representation and for featuring 'racist' jokes.

The TV personality was a guest at the awards but spoke out on Twitter about wanting better representation at the event.

In a video, Singh said: "It’s so wonderful being at the #BritishCurryAwards tonight… celebrating the best of Asian cuisine!

Read more: Dr. Ranj Singh shares viral tweet

"However, how is it that the entire judging panel, host, and even most of the performers on stage so far have all been white? We can do better!"

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - MAY 10: Dr Ranj Singh attends the MEN Pride of Manchester Awards 2022 at Kimpton Clocktower Hotel on May 10, 2022 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Anthony Devlin/Getty Images)
Dr Ranj criticised a racist joke said at the British Curry Awards. (Getty Images)

Following the awards, Singh shared some more thoughts on social media: "However, when the host is white, the judging panel is entirely white, the performers onstage are over 90% white, are we really representing our community fairly?"

He went on to slam a racist joke told at the ceremony: "To top it off, we have a racist joke on stage, and are auctioning off a piece by Winston Churchill whose relationship with India (and Bengali people specifically) is problematic?"

Churchill's relationship with India remains complicated with many holding him responsible for the Bengal famine of 1943 where around four million people died. He also held explicit imperialist and racist views.

LONDON, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 11: Dr Ranj Singh speaks on stage at the European Diversity Awards at Intercontinental Hotel on November 11, 2022 in London, England. (Photo by Joe Maher/Getty Images)
Dr Ranj called for better representation at the British Curry Awards. (Getty Images)

Singh also shared the joke he found offensive: "Paraphrased slightly, but this is a joke made on stage at the @BritCurryAwards by a white person tonight: “Why has India never won the World Cup? Because every time they get a corner, they build a shop on it.' I’m sorry but how is this OK?"

Singh did not reveal who said the joke but said it was not made by Mock the Week panellist Hugh Dennis who was hosting the event.

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