TV SHOW CARPENTER IN ‘NAZI TATTOO’ ROW
SKY DENY ANY LINKS TO RACIST GROUPS
ABRISTOL carpenter caught up in a Twitter storm over his facial tattoos has “no affiliations or links to racist groups”, according to Sky.
Darren Lumsden is currently appearing in the Sky History show The Chop, where contestants are competing to be crowned Britain’s top woodworker.
The first episode aired last week but a clip which the channel shared on Twitter on Monday, dubbing him “the one with all the tattoos”, has since sparked a backlash.
People hit out at Mr Lumsden’s tattoo on his right cheek of the number 88 – a number associated with fascism.
Sky yesterday released a statement saying Mr Lumsden’s tattoo is in memory of his father, who died in 1988.
The statement came after Twitter users pointed out that the number is used as code by white supremacists to stand for “Heil Hitler”.
Sky History said: “Darren’s tattoos denote significant events in his life and have no political or ideological meaning whatsoever.
“Amongst the various numerical tattoos on his body, 1988 is the year of his father’s death.
“The production team carried out extensive background checks on all the woodworkers taking part in the show that confirmed Darren has no affiliations or links to racist groups, views or comments.
“Sky History is intolerant of racism and all forms of hatred and any use of symbols or numbers is entirely incidental and not meant to cause harm or offence.”
In an earlier interview with the Post Darren, who lives in Portishead, did not shy away from the fact his tattoos have shocked peo
Darren’s tattoos denote significant events in his life and have no political or ideological meaning whatsoever. Amongst the various numerical tattoos on his body, 1988 is the year of his father’s death. Sky History statement
ple over the years.
Darren, who grew up in Frenchay and went to Downend School then Brunel College, said he started having his head and face tattooed around 10 years ago, and said: “I had other tattoos already.
“But about 10 years ago I saw someone with facial tattoos and started to work with my tattooist on my look.
“I have my daughter on the back of my head and my son on my cheek.
“When some people first meet me they are a bit shocked, admittedly.
“But they soon warm to me after a few minutes.
He said: “Some people ask for selfies with me. I’ve never had a negative reaction to my They are just me.”
Darren is one of 10 of the country’s finest joiners showcasing their talents in The Chop.
Hosted by Lee Mack, Rick Edwards and master craftsmen William Hardie, the carpentry competition sees the contestants gather in Epping to show their skills.
The champion’s prize will be the chance to stage their own exhibition at the prestigious William Morris Gallery in London. tattoos.