Refugee Charity Set to Receive Prize Money Accused of 'Genocide' Claims

A refugee charity designated to receive a portion of the prize money from the reality television show "The Celebrity Traitors" has been accused of promoting extremist views regarding the Israel-Hamas conflict. Choose Love, which is set to receive half of actor Sebastian Croft's £83,000 winnings, has stated on its website that Palestinians "are still experiencing a genocide."

Croft, who won the competition alongside comedian Romesh Ranganathan, indicated that the funds would support refugees and displaced individuals, with a particular focus on queer refugees. He described Choose Love as an organization he previously volunteered with and praised it as "the best organisation."

The charity's stance has drawn criticism from some political figures. Tory MP Jack Rankin stated, "When activists nakedly misuse charitable designation to peddle their extremist agenda, it should concern us all." He further expressed that it is "doubly shocking that our licence fee, which we have no choice but to pay, is shovelled in directions opposite to the national interest." Rankin added that the BBC, which broadcasts the show and is bound by impartiality guidelines, should not be supporting such political activism.

Choose Love has also previously supported a legal challenge against the former Conservative government's policy to deport asylum seekers to Rwanda. The charity acknowledged contributing to the "staff costs" of Asylum Aid, an organization that pursued a High Court case against the policy. The High Court ultimately ruled the scheme lawful.

"The Celebrity Traitors" airs on the BBC, a broadcaster that operates under strict impartiality guidelines as outlined in its charter.