The Mayor of London read out racist Tweets he has received in a powerful video addressing Islamophobia in the UK.
The Mayor of London Sadiq Khan asked social media companies to do more to combat hate speech in a powerful video.
Similar to Jimmy Kimmel’s Mean Tweets format, Khan read out loud racist tweets directed to him, during the South by Southwest festival in Texas.
'It's time to act on hate speech'. Watch this powerful video by @SadiqKhan on the abuse he's received as Mayor of London. The reality is 'millions of people across the globe receive abuse like this every single day on social media'. #endthehate pic.twitter.com/RUAQ9gygQJ
— MCB (@MuslimCouncil) March 12, 2018
“I don’t read these out to be portrayed as a victim, or to ask for sympathy. Millions of people across the globe receive abuse like this every single day on social media,” he said.
“It’s on all of us to tackle this problem. Social media companies, governments, politicians, the media and you. Let’s work together to end this hate,” it continued.
The tweets that Khan read out were horrific, one said:
“I say KILL the Mayor of London and you will be rid of ONE Muslim Terrorist.”
Another one said that:
“Muslims need to be shot or hanged!! The mayor is doing nothing about attacks.”
One even read:
“Muslims have no dignity. I wish Sadiq Khan would just blow himself up like they all do. He might get his 12 virgins.”
The UK has witnessed a surge in hate crimes during the past few years. Counter-terrorism police recently launched a nationwide investigation after letters compelling people to attack Muslims were posted across the country.
