Ngozi Fulani’s charity Sistah Space stops work due to social media abuse after palace racism row
A charity set up by a domestic abuse campaigner who said she was repeatedly asked where she was “really from” at Buckingham Palace has been forced to suspend operations due to security fears.
Sistah Space, which supports women of African and Caribbean heritage affected by domestic and sexual abuse, says it was forced to take the action for safety reasons following a backlash after its founder Ngozi Fulani spoke out about her alleged treatment by Lady Susan Hussey, who was a long-serving lady-in-waiting to the late Queen.
Ms Fulani said she suffered “horrendous abuse” on social media after the royal repeatedly challenged her when she said she was British at a royal reception at Buckingham Palace.
Sistah Space said in a statement on its Instagram page: “Thank you for the continued support and messages.
“Unfortunately, recent events have meant that we have been forced to temporarily cease many of our operations to ensure the safety of our service users and our team.
“We have been overwhelmed by the amount of support and encouragement and look forward to fully restoring our services as soon as possible.”
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Ms Fulani had earlier expressed her shock at her treatment by Lady Susan, Prince William’s godmother and part of the royal group for more than 60 years. Last month, Lady Susan was presented with the new title ‘Lady of the Household’ by the King and Queen Consort in recognition of her service to the late monarch.
The charity founder said she and her team had received “horrendous abuse via social media”.
Lady Susan, 83, resigned from the household and apologized after she repeatedly challenged Ms Fulani when she said she was British at the Queen Consort’s reception which highlighted violence against women and girls.
Ms Fulani says Lady Susan kept pressing her about her nationality and background and asking what part of Africa she was from and said it felt like an interrogation.
Ms Fulani told ITVs Good morning Britain that the royal also touched her hair during the meeting.
“I was standing next to two other women – black women – and she (Lady Susan) just made a beeline for me and she took my locks and moved them out of the way so she could see my name badge,” she said. said.
“That’s a no-no. I wouldn’t put my hands in someone’s hair and culturally it’s not appropriate.”
Ms Fulani added that the comments were down to racism, not Lady Susan’s age.
“I’ve heard so many suggestions it’s about her age and things like that and I think it’s kind of disrespectful about age,” she said on BBC Radio 4’s Today programme.
“Are we saying that because of your age you can’t be racist or that you can’t be inappropriate?
“If you invite people to an event, as I said, against domestic abuse, and there are people from different demographics there, I don’t see the relevance whether I’m British or not British. You are trying to make me feel unwelcome in my own space.”
Part of Lady Susan’s latest role was helping to host events at Buckingham Palace – which is how she met Ms Fulani. Lady Susan has since left her unpaid role within the royal household.
Ms Fulani revealed that she suffered “horrendous” abuse on social media after speaking out and that her family was under immense pressure, but she was encouraged by messages of support.
She says she felt she had to highlight an issue that “occurs on an all too frequent basis”.
In a statement, Buckingham Palace previously said “unacceptable and deeply regrettable comments” had been made and all staff were “reminded of the diversity and inclusivity policies they must uphold at all times”.
A spokesman for Prince William previously said “racism has no place in our society. The comments were unacceptable, and it is right that the individual has stepped aside with immediate effect.”
