CN: contains racial slurs and an impersonation that involves the voicing of antisemitic and racist views

Footage obtained by Varsity shows Union speaker Andrew Graham-Dixon doing an impersonation of Adolf Hitler, with Union President Keir Bradwell applauding and commenting that it was the “longest Hitler impression” the chamber had ever heard. The footage has not been publicly shared by the Union.

Bradwell has been criticised for not intervening during the speaker’s impersonation.

The incident took place at a debate at the Union on Thursday night (04/11), with the audience voting with Graham-Dixon against the motion: “this house believes there is no such thing as good taste.”

Graham-Dixon spoke in opposition of the motion alongside American computer scientist Paul Graham. Art critic Dr JJ Charlesworth spoke for the proposition.

Graham-Dixon impersonated Hitler during his argument that art can be made in bad taste. He has since clarified that the impersonation was not an endorsement of Hitler or antisemitism, but rather it was used as an example in his argument and to “underline the utterly evil nature of Hitler and his regime.”

The event has caused outrage amongst students and alumni alike.

The Union’s Equalities officer, Zara Salaria, said that Graham-Dixon’s impression was “absolutely unacceptable” and “utterly horrifying.”

Former President of the Cambridge Union, Joel Rosen, tweeted that he felt “physically sick” from what he saw at the event.

Bradwell has since apologised for his “failure to intervene” during the debate, stating that neither he “nor the society condones the thoughtless and grotesque language” used by the speaker.