IF I’M TOO WHITE, YOU HELP AFRICA!
Stacey’s blast for MP Lammy after aid rap
STRICTLY winner Stacey Dooley has clashed with an MP over raising money for Africa.
Labour’s David Lammy accused Comic Relief of promoting the “white saviour” stereotype by sending her on a trip to Uganda.
But Stacey told him online: “David, is the issue with me being white? (Genuine question) ...because if that’s the case, you could always go over there and try raise awareness? “Comic relief have raised over 1billion pounds since they started. I saw projects that were saving lives with the money. Kids lives.”
The MP had reacted to the dance star’s Instagram posts of her cuddling an Ugandan child while making a film for next month’s BBC fundraiser. Mr Lammy said the charity should use stars with African heritage for the trips and that Stacey’s posts “just perpetuates tired and unhelpful stereotypes”. Comic Relief, which was founded by Richard Curtis and Sir Lenny Henry, leapt to Stacey’s defence last night.
It refused to apologise and also claimed it had invited the Tottenham MP to make a film for them but he had ignored their offer.
The charity said: “We have previously asked David Lammy if he would like to work with us to make a film in Africa and he has not responded. The offer is still open.”
Mr Lammy said: “I said to Comic Relief I’m not prepared to become part of a PR exercise.”
“It’s not about me making a nice film, but about Comic Relief giving some of their very privileged platform on the BBC to the hundreds of African comedians, filmmakers, celebrities and everyday people who live on the continent.”
And he reignited the row by highlighting Stacey’s Instagram posts and tweeting: “The world does not need any more white saviours. Hi Stacey. This isn’t personal and I don’t question your good motives.” But Stacey’s Strictly dance partner Kevin Clifton said: “I’m sorry but David Lammy u r so wrong on this.”
Casualty actress Amanda Mealing, who has just returned from a trip to Ghana for Comic Relief, said: “I think that’s quite unfair on Stacey Dooley really.”
However former X Factor duo Reggie ‘n’ Bollie said: “Totally agree with David Lammy on the issue of African poverty porn.”