Ofcom investigating Sky News over Farage harassment claims

Ofcom has initiated a probe into Sky News following accusations from Reform UK leader Nigel Farage of harassment. Last month, Farage alleged that Sky News was infringing upon his family's privacy by sending reporters to a residence where his adult daughter was residing. Reform UK lodged a formal complaint with Ofcom, demanding an on-air apology from Sky News and a pledge not to reach out to Farage's family at their homes.

In a Facebook post on Friday, Farage expressed his dismay at how members of his family had been treated. Sky News refuted the initial allegation, stating they had never approached Farage's daughter when he made the claim. Chris Mason pointed out that Farage was attempting to regain the narrative following a finance dispute. Ofcom declined to comment on the investigation but stressed that it handles complaints in strict confidentiality and would not publicly disclose the identities of those involved.

Farage claims reporters from Sky News contacted his daughter's home while he was abroad, whereas Sky News maintains that they did not engage with his daughter and sought to interview Farage about a £5 million gift he received from cryptocurrency investor Christopher Harborne before being sworn in as an MP for Clacton in July 2024.

After returning to the UK, Farage was questioned by Sky News regarding the undisclosed gift, to which he responded: "Tell your bosses, if you harass my family again, there will be serious consequences. That's what your organization has done this morning, now go away." When asked about the donation again, Farage reiterated: "Did you not hear me?

You have violated all the rules, Leveson and everything else, cut." Sky News responded on X (formerly Twitter) that they were not at the property at 7:41 am. Footage from 10:19 am showed Sky News outside a property where Farage was registered at the last election, but the adult occupant chose not to engage. Sky News had approached the property once without a camera operator, identified themselves as Sky News, and the resident declined to participate.

They were seeking to contact Farage to inquire about the gift he received from Harborne. Sky News maintains that they did not harass or pursue Farage's daughter and adhered to a standard journalistic practice when covering matters of public interest. The footage clearly demonstrates that Sky News did not hound or pursue Farage's daughter, and they never sought to speak to anyone other than Farage in connection with the story. Ofcom aims to resolve fairness and privacy complaints within 90 working days.