by It can be revealed that Comic Relief has been plunged into crisis after its chairman resigned over the charity’s stance on Gaza.
Eric Salama resigned from his position after saying Comic Relief’s management took “an approach to an issue that I thought was deeply wrong and that I couldn’t live with”.
The issue is understood to have been the charity’s decision to join dozens of other organizations in calling for an immediate ceasefire in the Gaza conflict.
Comic Relief admitted the fallout was caused by “a stance taken on a public issue without any prior consultation with the board or with Eric as chairman.”
The move has raised questions about the governance of one of Britain’s most high-profile charities. It was created in 1985 by Richard Curtis, director and screenwriter, and Sir Lenny Henry in response to the famine in Ethiopia.
There are fears that donor companies will avoid linking up with any organization perceived to be taking sides in the conflict.
The dispute may also threaten Comic Relief’s partnership with the BBC, which has itself been criticized for alleged bias in its reporting on the Gaza-Israel conflict. Calls for a ceasefire have also divided the Labor Party.
Comic Relief has previously been embroiled in controversy over issues of a “white savior complex” in its work in African countries, although its advocates say it always works in partnership with local organizations and people.
Its annual televised Red Nose Day appeal, involving pop stars, celebrities, sportspeople, musicians and ordinary viewers, has raised more than £1.4bn since it was first held in 1988.
Salama, who was appointed president in June 2020, wrote on Twitter: “I admired Richard Curtis and Lenny Henry from afar before joining and I have even more respect, admiration and love for two wonderful human beings now that I have to. know them.
“All of which made last week particularly sad for me, when I resigned from my position early and disappointed some people in the process.”
He added: “But there are times in life when principles really matter more than any job. And last week was one of those times when management took an approach to an issue that I thought was deeply wrong and couldn’t live with.”
Among the demands of the “ceasefire now” petition signed by Comic Relief were calls for the release of all civilian hostages, especially children and the elderly.
It also calls for humanitarian convoys to be allowed to reach UN facilities, schools, hospitals and health facilities in northern Gaza and for Israel to rescind its orders to civilians to leave northern Gaza.
The petition says: “We have witnessed unfathomable death and destruction in the Gaza Strip and Israel.”
He goes on to condemn the Israeli army for allegedly bombing civilians “when they tried to flee or once they reached southern Gaza,” adding: “Neighborhoods have been destroyed and turned into complete rubble. Palestinians seeking safety have nowhere to go.”
Comic Relief said in a statement on its website: “Eric has decided to step down as Chairman of Comic Relief and has brought forward the date of his departure from the previously announced retirement date of March 2024. Eric’s decision relates to a stance that it is being adopted on a public issue without any prior consultation with the board or with Eric as president.”
Comic Relief refused to say exactly what had led to Salama’s resignation when asked by The Telegraph about the Gaza issue.
A spokesperson for the charity told the Telegraph: “While we do not comment on internal matters relating to our staff or board members, we have announced that Eric has brought forward his departure date.”
The charity added: “Comic Relief was formed in response to a humanitarian crisis in Ethiopia, and we have joined over 700 charities, including many of the UK’s most prominent, to sign a petition about the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and Israel that is focused on the need to protect civilians and children on all sides of the conflict.”
Other charities that have signed the petition include Palestinian groups, as well as the Center for Jewish Non-Violence, Oxfam, the Baptist Union of Wales and environmental and human rights activists.
High profile role in the city
Salama was appointed chairman of Comic Relief after a brilliant career in the city, where he rose to become chairman of Verian Group, formerly Kantar, the consumer insights division of WPP. He has also been chief executive of Kantar and non-executive director of the British Museum.
In a statement posted online, Comic Relief said Salama’s role would be taken over by Tom Shropshire, one of its trustees.
Following his appointment as interim chairman, Shropshire said: “On behalf of the board and team at Comic Relief, I would like to thank Eric for everything he has done for the charity, including leading Comic Relief during the coronavirus pandemic. Covid-19 and help. to shape our current strategy.
“We wish Eric the best in the future and look forward to his continued support in the important work Comic Relief and its partners do.”
Salama was contacted for comment.
Accusations of bias
Comic Relief’s broadcast partner the BBC is already facing accusations of bias in the Gaza-Israel conflict and Mr Salama’s sudden resignation comes after staff at the corporation accused it of double standards after they were told told them not to attend a march against anti-Semitism this weekend.
Staff working in current affairs and factual journalism who have requested permission to attend the Campaign Against Antisemitism march in London have been referred to impartiality standards.
According to the rules, editorial staff “should not participate in public demonstrations or meetings on controversial issues.”
Jewish employees have argued that anti-racism protests should not be seen as a controversial or partisan issue, and that the BBC should not stand in their way.
A BBC spokesperson said: “The BBC is clear that antisemitism is abhorrent. We’ve set out a guide on the fly, explaining that different considerations apply depending on what you do for the BBC.
“At a corporate level, we have not issued any communications to staff about any specific marches this weekend, but this does not mean that discussions have not taken place among colleagues considering the guidance.”
