Refugee charity set to benefit from The Celebrity Traitors’ prize money has accused Israel of ‘genocide’
Refugee charity Choose Love is set to receive half of the £83,000 prize won by Sebastian Croft and Romesh Ranganathan on The Celebrity Traitors. The charity has described Palestinians in Gaza as experiencing “genocide” and previously called on the UK Government to stop arms sales to Israel, prompting criticism over its political stance and the use of prize money linked to a BBC programme.
Croft said he had volunteered with Choose Love and praised its work supporting refugees and displaced people, particularly LGBTQ+ people. Conservative MP Jack Rankin criticised the donation and argued the BBC should not direct public funds to political activists. Choose Love has also funded staff costs for Asylum Aid, which unsuccessfully challenged the former government’s plan to send asylum seekers to Rwanda; the High Court ruled that policy lawful.
In short
- Choose Love is due half of the winners’ £83,000 prize.
- The charity has criticised Israel’s actions in Gaza.
- A Conservative MP questioned the donation and BBC impartiality.
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The case for
Supporters could argue that the prize is being donated by the winners to a charity with direct experience helping refugees and displaced people, including LGBTQ+ people. They may see Choose Love’s statements on Gaza and arms sales as legitimate advocacy on humanitarian issues, and its support for legal work on asylum policy as part of defending vulnerable people.
The case against
Critics could argue that a charity receiving a prominent donation linked to a BBC programme should avoid taking contested political positions, or that the BBC should be cautious about appearing to endorse them. They may also object to public attention or funds being associated with a group that campaigns against government policy and supports legal challenges, even when those challenges are lawful.
Explained simply
Choose Love is a UK charity that supports refugees and people forced from their homes, including LGBTQ+ people. It works with local groups and has also supported other organisations helping people seeking asylum in the UK.
The charity has spoken publicly about the war in Gaza, describing the situation as “genocide” and urging the UK to stop arms sales to Israel. Those statements have led to criticism from people who see them as political; supporters say the charity is drawing attention to humanitarian concerns.
The debate also touches on how charitable donations linked to a BBC programme should be handled. Asylum Aid, whose staff costs Choose Love has helped fund, took legal action against the former government’s plan to send asylum seekers to Rwanda; the High Court ruled the plan lawful.
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