A family in Redcar, North Yorkshire, is facing severe distress and fear after a video of Olajuwon Ayeni, a Black musician, playing with his white granddaughters in a park was stolen and shared online far-right activist Tommy Robinson. The video, originally posted Ayeni’s wife Natalie on TikTok, was falsely manipulated extremists to spread racist and defamatory claims, including unfounded paedophilia allegations. Since the video went viral, the couple has received threats and racial abuse, leading to Ayeni’s suspension from his music management and forcing them into hiding.
Their local MP, Anna Turley, intervened to defend Ayeni’s character. However, despite numerous calls to remove the video and correct misinformation, Robinson has not taken it down. The family reports feeling unsafe at home and in public, with police offering only limited assistance, saying sharing the video isn’t criminal. Cleveland police advised the public to stop spreading the video and false claims. The Ayenis are urging for the truth to be recognized and highlighting how racism and misinformation have devastated their lives.The Guardian
The incident has sparked outrage among anti-racism groups and civil rights advocates, who are calling for accountability and stronger measures against online hate speech. The Ayenis are determined to clear their names and reclaim their lives from the damage caused the malicious spread of the video.
