'Twisted' for Lady Susan Hussey's question to be 'interpreted as racist'

Sky News host Rita Panahi says asking about someone’s background is rarely, if ever, done to offend or exclude after a senior royal aide was accused of racism.

Lady Susan Hussey resigned from her position after facing criticism for repeatedly questioning a black guest at Buckingham Palace, Ngozi Fulani, on what part of Africa she “really” came from.

"It's twisted to interpret her encounter with Lady Susan as racist," Ms Panahi said.

“It’s a question born out of curiosity."

[Lynettelsm]

Sometimes starting a conversation, I would ask people, where are you from, or what nationality are you, or what’s your background. I don’t see nothing racist about that. Am I a racist? I love everyone! Don’t have a racist bone in my body. If, I were to ask her the same question, I guarantee you 100% she will not say I’am racist. Why? Cause I’am not white. She’s full of it.

[fabiennemitchell]

Ngozi Fulani (aka Marlene Headley) presented as being African, in dress and name, and was representing a charity for African and Caribbean women. She is of West Indian heritage and could not answer questions about her (distant) African ancestry. Lady Susan's questions were obviously not about the British citizenship of Ngozi Fulani through birth or acquired, but were similar to West Indians (and other nationalities) asking each other where they're from. It is probable that the questions were about her background to open up a conversation about that, linking it to the charity for African and Caribbean women. Ngozi Fulani already had views of the royal family being racist which explains her assumption and stony, drawn out responses. Her background at University was also similarly interesting.

[day]

What a ridiculous argument from that black lady. If she had answered her question as to what part of Africa she came from, then what would have been the issue? I am Italian born. So, if someone had asked me where I was from, I would have answered: from Italy, Reggio Calabria, from a place called Istra. When are people going to stop feeling sorry for themselves and thank God for their many blessings? We create our own hell.

[minecraftingmum]

Even us 'white folks' get the 'where are you from' question. Isn't it about time some folks grew up and stopped looking for offense everywhere they go?

[maranatha]

She is definitely not a Nigerian, with that false identify or name she claims to bear. She went in with an agenda & executed it, and now let the real investigation begin!

[seandelap]

Why would she be involved in an organisation like that and wear that type of clothing if she doesn't like being asked where she's from basically she went out of her way to be offended like all these race hustlers do

[kittybitts]

ngosi fulani isn't her real name. If she didn't want people to think her a foreigner then why did she change her name and put on native dress from another country? Lady Susan Hussey is the indigenous person in this situation. White people are the indigenous peoples of the British Isles. When my family traveled to Costa Rica people asked us where we were from. We weren't offended.

[kezangpenjor]

It sounds as though the line of questioning was uncomfortable for Marlene H because she chose to make it so. Instead of answering the questions in a friendly and direct manner, she chose to be evasive and passive aggressive. Methinks she was race baiting Lady Susan Hussey.

[grantsapain]

What do you expect, for an ideology that wants to destroy statues of George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, & Teddy Roosevelt?

[shannonrn]

Get over it, I'm Native American and Hispanic, and I'm adopted by an Anglo family that is irish and Swedish. I appreciate it when someone asks me .. what's my nationally, no really what are you, I mean really what are you...😂 I am proud of the recognition. Stop being so sensitive and be thankful to God you are breathing and people care... 🙏

[Floortile]

Absolutely right - maybe Lady Susan was imperious in the way aristocratic ladies of a certain generation can be BUT that does not - NOT - make her racist, (and neither was she deliberately seeking to offend).

[healingbodyandmind]

Well done. This woman had an agenda to cause disruption. She has heard this question all her life, asked the question to people of colour and people with an accent and knew precisely what the woman was after when she said what part of Africa are you from. This is when she could have said her spill of British, Jamaican, and African descent, but even then she refused. She is an anti-royal and MM supporter. Something sounds fishy.

[DuchessMari]

I’m f’ing tired of the race games and the victim mentality exported from the US. Asking a question, even if insisting on it, doesn’t make anyone a racist.

[mariebussell]

We only have Marlenes side of the story. Ladies in waiting are very good at making conversation, this is what Lady Susan has done for many many years. It helps to put people at ease. This is a set up. MM has a hand in this.

[--Mar]

Lady Colin Campbell on her channel has an extensive commentary on this incident. She has researched the background information very thoroughly. Among important points is the fact that Ngosi Fulani is not the woman's real name, and that she has ties to Black Lives Matter. Her parents are from the Caribbean. Well worth watching to understand what is truly going on.

[mariocondello]

If you're a proud African, you should know what country your ancestors came from.

[sgirl]

Of course Marlene knew. IMO she was there on a clear mission. Hopefully the BRF’s advisors, assistants etc will be more diligent with who they let thru the door, including anyone piggybacking off someone else’s invite. Bring back Lady Hussey!!! 😢

[pawwalker]

Here in America practically everyone's people came from somewhere else.
I've been asked that question, and have _NEVER_ found it offensive.
Way too many people are looking for reasons/ways/actions so they can be offended. This is getting old!
If I walked around wearing Italian peasant garb, I'd bet the question would go in that direction. Get real, girlfriend.

[draganacrnkovic]

Lady Susan is a true victim in this case and anyone with the sence of justice should raise their voice to support her. This woman with two names is a malicious abuser and a racist

[davidcook]

You have had your 5 minutes of fame Ngozi, now clear off.