Homelessness charity cuts ties with Sharon Osbourne after support for Tommy Robinson rally
Homelessness charity Centrepoint has announced it will no longer work with Sharon Osbourne after she publicly supported a rally organized by right-wing activist Tommy Robinson.
The charity said it had “no plans to work together in the future” after the television personality expressed her support for the upcoming event.
The former X Factor judge made clear her support for the event, using her official Instagram account to leave a comment saying: “See you at the walk.” This was in response to a post on the social media platform detailing the “Unite the Kingdom” rally planned for next month.
A Centrepoint spokesperson explained the charity’s position: “Political activity like this goes against our values and our long history of supporting young people regardless of their background, religion or ethnicity.”
They added: “If we want young people to succeed in this country, then we must ensure that our society continues to allow them to live without fear and access the opportunities they need to enter education or work and leave homelessness behind.”
Osbourne has previously supported Centrepoint through its Omaze campaign, which aims to raise money by offering the chance to win a luxury home. Although he was referred to as an ambassador in this context, the charity confirmed he was “not an official ambassador for Centrepoint”.
The “Unite the Kingdom” rally organized by Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, will take place in London on May 16.
The group’s previous protest in September reportedly drew between 110,000 and 150,000 participants.
Meanwhile, on the same day, a counter protest called March Against Fascism organized by Stand Against Racism (SUTR) was also held in the capital.
Counter-protesters in Russell Square held signs saying “Refugees welcome” and “Oppose Tommy Robinson” and chanted “Say it loud, say it clear, refugees are welcome here.”
