Tells criminology grad and 2016 contestant Rav Bansal to ignore racist comments
Law graduate and 2012 Great British Bake Off champion John Whaite has stepped in to defend new contestant Rav Bansal against racist hate from viewers, admitting he suffered “loads of homophobic abuse” while he was competing on the show.
Over the weekend, criminology graduate and City University support worker Bansal expressed his disappointment at receiving racist comments about his participation in the much-loved BBC1 baking contest.
So today I was asked 'are you the p*ki on the not so British bake off?' Really, in 2016? ?
— Rav (@RavSBansal) September 1, 2016
Reams of former contestants rallied around Bansal to offer him support, encouraging him to ignore the hate. Unfortunately, a few revealed they too had had similar experiences, rather dispelling the TV show’s picture-perfect veneer.
Last year’s winner, Nadiya Hussain, has previously described racist abuse as part of her everyday life, while — in response to Bansal’s admission — 2013 participant Ali Imdad tweeted:
@RavSBansal oh Rav, I still get it. It's an unfortunate part of being on Bake Off.
I throw chapattis at them now.— Ali Imdad (@AliImdadBakes) September 1, 2016
Another contestant with his own tales of abuse was the show’s 2012 victor: first class LLB holder and University of Manchester graduate Whaite. Urging Bansal to keep his head high, he tweeted:
@RavSBansal just keep your head high and be proud. I got loads of homophobic abuse during and after GBBO. Best to ignore the evil cretins.
— John Whaite (@JohnWhaiteBakes) September 2, 2016
What is the law grad/cake-making sensation up to now?
Well, former Eversheds vac schemer Whaite has now turned his back on the big wide world corporate law to pursue a career in baking. He is now a successful food writer and has authored a number of cookbooks.