Tan France has said he feels safer living in America than in the UK as he discussed the racism he experienced growing up in Doncaster.
The Queer Eye star has been living across the pond for 15 years with his husband, RobFrance, and is now based in Salt Lake City, Utah, with their two sons.
In a candid new interview, the Netflix favourite recalled his experiences of racism on home soil, revealing how he was physically attacked by a group of white men aged six.
Appearing on The Louis Theroux podcast, France detailed several other horrific situations where he had been a victim of racism and homophobia.
The TV star said that racism is still a huge issue in Britain and explained that is why he feels “happier” putting down roots in the States.
France reflected: “The hard part about talking about life in the UK is that the Brits don’t want to hear it.
“They aren’t ready to hear it. It makes them really, really angry. And I think that speaks volumes, Louis. I think that’s a real issue we have back home and it’s the reason why I’m so much happier here.”
Expanding on his point, the Next in Fashion host continued: “[I know] that comment gets a lot of negative reaction saying, ‘we’ve seen the racism on the news in America and you’re telling us that it’s worse in the UK?’
“For me personally, yes, that’s exactly what I’m saying.”
He shared: “For the black community here in America, racism is disgusting, and it has impacted their lives so greatly.
“And in England, that might be the case also, but I don’t know the black experience in the UK. I know the Asian experience and I’ve got a lot of family and we all experienced the same thing. My family continues to experience the same thing.”
France admitted that he’s “frustrated” that his experiences haven’t being taken seriously, and just wants people to “believe” him.
The presenter added: “I’m not saying that I hate the UK, I love the UK - and I love the majority of the people in the UK, who are amazing and compassionate, and aren’t racist at all.
“But as we know, it’s not those lovely people that are speaking up. It’s the people who hate you and who are going to tell you they hate you on the street.
“I’m incredibly frustrated a lot of the time with [people] not willing to believe that me or any other entertainer who speaks out about it.”
Concluding his sentiments, France said he now feels empowered to speak about the issues the UK is facing as he has perspective being away for 15 years.
