FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
23 April 2025
Cape SAJBD Takes Thomas Torr to Equality Court for Antisemitic Hate Speech
Cape Town, South Africa — Today marked a significant milestone in the fight against antisemitism. The Cape South African Jewish Board of Deputies (Cape SAJBD) appeared in the Equality Court in Cape Town, seeking a finding against local comedian Thomas Leyland Torr for hate speech against the Jewish community.
Over the past 18 months, Torr has posted a series of videos online. It is the Cape SAJBD’s contention that the videos contain antisemitic language and images and accordingly constitute hate speech as prohibited by the Promotion of Equality and Prevention of Unfair Discrimination Act 4 of 2000.
The court heard expert testimony from Professor Milton Shain, who provided historical context and explained why Torr’s comments contain tropes that are well known from the long history of antisemitism, including numerous instances of blood libel and dehumanisation of Jews. Eduard Fagan SC, who appeared for the Cape SAJBD together with Eshed Cohen, argued that Torr’s antisemitic publications are extensive, depraved, vile and vicious, and said that Torr – who did not appear in court for the hearing – had shown no remorse, but had on the contrary shown only disdain for the legal process.
Presiding Judge Le Grange reserved judgment, and said that a written judgment would follow in the next two to three weeks which will outline the legal reasoning and evidentiary basis for his decision.
The Cape SAJBD remains steadfast in its mission to protect the Jewish community and confront antisemitism in all its forms. The organisation is currently pursuing three additional hate speech cases, set to be heard in the coming months.
Statement made by:
Daniel Bloch
Executive Director, Cape South African Jewish Board of Deputies
For media enquiries contact Sajbd2@ctjc.co.za
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