By Lenny Osler, News Editor & Grace Rose, Community Subeditor
‘Young Bob’, an 18-year-old political activist whose real name has been variably reported as both Thomas and Gregory Moffitt, stationed himself outside Senate House from 12 PM until 4 PM today to debate passers-by.
With Moffitt were three men and a woman, who appeared to be provide him with security and record footage of the debates.
University of Bristol security services were at the scene, alongside several officers from Avon and Somerset Police.
Moffitt displayed banners calling for the deportation of ‘millions’ and referring to the LGBTQIA+ community as ‘mentally ill’.
Around 50 people gathered to watch as students debated Moffitt on issues from immigration to religion and transgender rights.
Throughout, Moffitt was heard using racial slurs and ‘verbally abusing’ a University staff member.
Police said Moffitt’s statements likely ‘towed the line’ between lawful freedom of speech and unlawful hate speech.
Several students, and representatives from Bristol Revolutionary Communist Party (RCP), staged protests, chanting slogans denouncing anti-immigration politics.
The 18-year-old has over 100,000 Instagram followers, and more than 90,000 on TikTok.
Moffitt came to the University of Bristol in April, where he claimed he was ‘assaulted’ after displaying a banner calling for a total ban on abortions.
He is known for attending university campuses across the country to debate students and promote right-wing politics.
Rosie Moore
In his Instagram bio, Moffitt describes himself as a ‘Christian Pro-life Remigration activist’ and has expressed support for Restore Britain, a political party to the right of Reform UK.
Moffitt told Epigram he was making a ‘statement of freedom of speech’. He called the University of Bristol an ‘unstable’ institution that ‘does not promote freedom of speech’.
Agnes, a mental health adviser at the University of Bristol, said Moffitt told her she ‘ought to be sacked’ for ‘simply disagreeing with him’.
‘I believe in freedom of speech, but not people making unwelcome comments on campus’, said Agnes.
Makam, a third year student, danced around Moffitt’s table to loud music in an attempt to drown out and distract from the TikToker’s statements.
Moffitt referred to Makam as a ‘Chinaman’ - widely considered a racial slur - saying he was ‘entitled’ to use the term.
Students employed a variety of methods to protest against Moffitt | Epigram / Lenny Osler
The TikToker was heard referring to another student wearing a headscarf as an ‘Arabian prince’.
Cole, a first year student, said he welcomed the opportunity to debate Moffitt.
However, he said he was ‘repeatedly interrupted’, claiming the TikToker’s goal was to ‘antagonise’ and ‘clip farm’.
‘He just wants to get TikTok famous’, said Cole.
A University of Bristol spokesperson said:
‘We are aware that a person, who had no affiliation to the University, set up on the public highway outside Senate House on Wednesday.
‘Freedom of expression and academic freedom are foundational rights at the heart of our mission and our values. We affirm the vital importance of the right of all to speak openly without fear of censorship or limitation, provided that this right is exercised responsibly, within the law, and with respect for others who may have differing views.’
A Bristol SU spokesperson said:
‘We’re aware that there was some disruption outside of the Senate House due to the presence of Young Bob on Monday 14 September.
‘Young Bob does not share our values or commitment to diversity and inclusion, and it’s disappointing that some students’ enjoyment at Welcome Week may have been affected by their presence.
‘If anyone has been impacted by what they heard, we encourage them to reach out to support available.’
Featured image: Epigram / Lenny Osler
