Paul Hollywood 'devastated' after pictures of Bake Off judge wearing Nazi uniform fancy dress appear online
'I am absolutely devastated if this caused offence to anyone'
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Paul Hollywood has issued a statement regarding photographs of himself wearing a Nazi uniform down a local village pub.
The Great British Bake Off judge said he was devastated they were circulating online, explaining why the incident took place 14 years ago.
"I am absolutely devastated if this caused offence to anyone, the picture was taken 14 years ago en route to a Comedy TV Show's Themed New Year's Eve Party and a group of us dressed up as characters from the classic TV show 'Allo ‘Allo,” Hollywood said in a statement.
"Everyone who knows me, knows I am incredibly proud of the efforts of those, including my own grandfather, who fought against the Nazis during the war.”
The TV personality was with a friend and their wives, all dressed in Second World War attire. Hollywood wore a Nazi SS style uniform featuring a red swastika armband and an Iron Cross dangling from a pocket.
A source told The Sun: "To them it was a great big joke to be wearing a Nazi uniform, and they were laughing about it and happily posed for a picture at the bar. But some found it offensive – especially the fact they thought it was really funny.”
A spokesman for the Campaign Against Antisemitism told The Guardian: “Wearing these costumes for fun is an insult to the British soldiers and civilians who died repelling Hitler’s onslaught, and the six million Jews and many others who were murdered. However we appreciate Paul Hollywood’s immediate apology and note that this happened 14 years ago. We do not expect any further action.”
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments