Grime artist Wiley banned from Facebook and Instagram following anti-Semitic posts

Wiley has come under fire for anti-Semitic posts on social media. Credit: PA Archive/PA Images

Wiley has been banned from Facebook and Instagram after an account allegedly belonging to the rapper took aim at some of his Jewish critics. The grime artist had been widely condemned for posting a series of anti-Semitic remarks on Twitter and Instagram on Friday and Saturday.Social media networks have been accused of not reacting soon enough to take down the content, with Downing Street also wading into the debate.

An unverified account under Wiley’s real name, Richard Kylea Cowie, named Jewish celebrities, including Lord Sugar, BBC presenter Emma Barnett and comedian David Baddiel, who all spoke out against his words.“Emma Barnett get me on your show,” one post read.“David Baddiel come and talk to me to my face..Let’s talk,” said another.

Wiley seen performing in 2018. Credit: PA

A message reportedly mentioning Golders Green, an area of London known for its large Jewish community, was removed before Facebook decided to pull the account altogether.

His official verified Facebook account was also taken down, as well as his Instagram profile.The move follows pressure from the Board of Deputies of British Jews.“We are aware that Richard Cowie – AKA Wiley – has continued his obsessive targeting of the Jewish community on Facebook, now that Twitter and Instagram are closed off to him,” Marie van der Zyl, Board of Deputies president, said.

Comedian David Baddiel was allegedly called out by Wiley. Credit: Owen Humphreys/PA

“We have raised his conduct with Facebook as a matter of urgency and have stressed in the strongest possible terms that they should remove him from their platform as well.“We are in additional talks with Twitter to urge them to delete Wiley’s account, especially as he has made it clear on Facebook that when he gets back on Twitter he intends to exhibit even worse behaviour.”