Richard Bacon wades into BBC Celebrity Traitors charities row as he calls critics ‘awful human beings’

The Faithful pair divided an £83,000 prize pot between their chosen organisations. Mr Croft, 24, gave his £41,500 share to Choose Love, a humanitarian organisation that formerly operated under the name Help Refugees.

Mr Ranganathan, 48, directed his £41,500 to the Refugee Council, which he joined as patron in September.

Within moments of the reveal at the end of Friday’s finale, critics had their say. Arguments ranged from suggestions that the money should be spent in the UK, to claims smaller charities in need of exposure should have benefitted.

Both charities boasted eight-figure incomes at the end of the latest financial year.

Choose Love also faced scrutiny for its participation in political campaigns, including the spearheading of an open letter urging then-prime minister Keir Starmer to sanction Israel. The BBC declined to comment when contacted by GB News about the activism.

While there have been plenty of complaints that have rained in about the recipients of the BBC show’s prize money, supporters have rallied behind the comedian and actor’s choices – including Mr Bacon.

In a series of X posts, Mr Bacon fought back against critics. Taking aim at broadcaster Julia Hartley-Brewer’s objections, he fumed: “Choose Love is a charity for some of the most vulnerable people in the planet. (sic)

“Harry Styles gives money from his current tour. Do you have a problem with that? You have staggeringly unpleasant instincts.”

Commentator Carole Malone also fell into his sights. “You know. Those well-funded refugees,” he sarcastically typed in response to her opposition.

The defence of the refugee charities didn’t stop there. “I’ve worked with Choose Love – it’s a general refugee charity – it’s just being characterised that way by people with bad intentions,” Mr Bacon insisted.

And in response to an article by The People’s Channel detailing the complaints that have landed on the BBC’s doorstep, Mr Bacon didn’t mince his words: “If you have a problem with this, you are an awful human being.”

While Mr Bacon may have been hoping his 1.1m followers would rally behind his string of defensive posts, he was instead met with a number of furious reactions from fellow X users.

“Yeah I’m one of those horrible people who would have preferred it go to children fighting cancer,” one social media user promptly fired back.

“Awful because I think poorly children would’ve been more deserving? P***k,” a second slammed, while a third similarly raged: “You sanctimonious wallop. You’re the last person on earth to judge other people. Take your virtue signalling bollocks and shove it.”

The backlash to Mr Bacon’s stance didn’t stop there. “Aye, what awful humans we are for thinking we should prioritise little kids fighting cancer over illegal immigrants, coming here for freebies. F***ing moron,” a fourth criticised.

A fifth concurred: “I do have a problem with this when vets are sleeping rough and pensioners are freezing to death. The money won came from BBC licence payers. The BBC has a refugee agenda.”

And a sixth weighed in: “Is everyone, whose opinion differs from yours, ‘an awful human being’, Richard?” (sic)

Amidst the controversy, spokespeople for both charities have lauded Mr Ranganathan and Mr Croft for their respective donations.

Emma Stevenson, acting chief executive officer of Choose Love, said: “We are absolutely thrilled and deeply grateful to Bash for choosing Choose Love as his designated charity following his incredible win on Celebrity Traitors.

“Bash has been a long-time friend and dedicated supporter of our work, and we could not be prouder of him.

“This vital funding will quite literally change and save lives.

“It allows us to extend critical support to refugees and displaced people, especially LGBTQ+ individuals who face displacement, violence and persecution simply for who they are.

“We can’t thank Bash enough; it means the world.”

Meanwhile, Katie Ghose, chief executive of the Refugee Council, said: “We have loved every minute of watching Romesh and cheering him along from the sidelines. To see him win is the icing on the cake.

“Romesh continues to be a brilliant champion for our cause. As we saw in the castle, he has a unique combination of huge public appeal, warmth and humanity, at the same time as being a gifted comedic legend.

“Romesh’s support will help us continue to provide vital frontline services to refugees and people in the asylum system who come to Britain in search of safety and the chance to rebuild their lives.”