A charity boss is suing White Lines star Laurence Fox after he labelled him and others “paedophiles” during a bizarre online spat.
Simon Blake told on Twitter on Monday that he was suing Fox for defamation.
It comes after Fox was wrapped up in heated war of words with Twitter users including Blake who leads Stonewall, the prominent LGBT rights charity.
Fox described them as “paedophiles” after they claimed he was “racist”.
On Saturday Fox said he was boycotting Sainsbury’s as he accused the supermarket of promoting “racial segregation and discrimination”.
A charity boss is suing White Lines star Laurence Fox after he labelled him and others ‘paedophiles’ during a bizarre online spat. (Image: GETTY)
He received a fierce backlash for his views and then attacked some Twitter users, who he claims “falsely accused him of racism”.
Blake then tweeted asking Fox to delete the “untrue” comment.
He wrote: “Hi @LozzaFoz – please would you remove this tweet as you know it to be untrue. Thanks.”
Blake then released a statement on Twitter saying Fox had “defamed” him and that he had instructed lawyers to pursue legal action.
He wrote: “On Sunday afternoon I saw a tweet from Laurence Fox suggesting that he would stop shopping in Sainsbury’s and calling on others to do the same. This was his reaction to Sainsbury’s statement that they are an inclusive retailer.
Simon Blake told on Twitter statement on Monday that he was suing Fox for defamation (Image: simonblake/Twitter)
“He suggested that Sainsbury’s actively anti-racist stance is promoting racial segregation and discrimination.
“I disagreed strongly with his view and I expressed that in a tweet. Whilst I regret the unnecessary language I used, which is not in line with the way I like to conduct myself, I feel strongly about this issue.
“In response Mr Fox seriously defamed me and I have instructed Mark Lewis from Patron Law to sue for defamation.
Fox described Blake and others as ‘paedophiles’ in the posh-boy actor’s latest meltdown (Image: simonblake/Twitter)
“I want to make it absolutely clear that I will always stand against racism and will do my best to be a strong White ally.
“This is particularly important because we know the negative impact that racism and oppression have on the mental health and wellbeing of Black people and People of colour. “
Fox removed his posts on Sunday and claimed he was incorrectly called a racist.
He said: “If the game nowadays is to throw baseless insults and accusations about, then we should be all be free to participate. Having said that I have deleted the tweets posted yesterday, in response to being repeatedly, continuously and falsely smeared as a racist, as they just serve as a distraction to the important work that needs to be done.”
A spokesman for Fox’s newly-formed political party, named Reclaim, told MailOnline: “We note the stated intention and the judicious wording of the tweet.
“However, unless and until intent becomes reality, we have no further comment.”
Mr Blake tweeted Fox and asked him to delete the ‘untrue’ comment (Image: Dave Benett/Getty Images)
Posh boy actor Fox, 42, told his 238,000 Twitter followers that he’ll never shop in Sainsbury’s again.
The message from the White Lines and Inspector Lewis star came after a statement from Sainsbury’s official account spoke of how the firm would be marking Black History Month, an annual observance of black history and culture celebrated around the world.
Their statement read: “We are proud to celebrate Black History Month together with our Black colleagues, customers and communities and we will not tolerate racism.
“We proudly represent and serve our diverse society and anyone who does not want to shop with an inclusive retailer is welcome to shop elsewhere.”
Laurence shared his own statement online afterwards, writing: “Dear @sainsburys I won’t be shopping in your supermarket ever again whilst you promote racial segregation and discrimination. I sincerely hope others join me. RT #BoycottSainsburys”
He then added: “Further reading here,” as he shared a link to the Sainsbury’s website explaining why they support Black History Month.
This read: “At Sainsbury’s, we want to celebrate black heritage with our colleagues and customers. We recognise and embrace the contributions black people have made in the UK, both past and present, and acknowledge the black history is UK history.”
Laurence’s message left some of his fans baffled as they questioned him.
One wrote: “I agree with loads of what you say, so this is not a criticism, but I can’t understand why this is promoting racial segregation. Are companies not allowed to celebrate sections of their workforce? I may be missing something here.. someone enlighten me!”
Another added: “They aren’t promoting racial segregation though, they are telling the racists to not bother shopping there if it’s a problem. But you’re just attention-seeking and know that already.”
Daily Star Online has contacted Fox’s spokesman for comment.
Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
