A WILLIAM Shakespeare impersonator quit after being accused of making racist remarks.
Paul Workman, 74, says the row over comments he made in a pub is much ado about nothing.
William Shakespeare impersonator Paul Workman has been forced to step down from his roleSWNS
He took the official unpaid role for eight years in the bard’s birthplace of Stratford-upon-Avon, Warks.
But in February remarks he thinks were about “Muslims and Jews” were reported to town council bosses.
They called a meeting but he resigned before it took place.
Mr Workman said: “I’d had two or three pints when another chap came along and was butting into our conversation which I thought was a bit rude.
“I was comparing what Russia is doing to Ukraine to what the Nazis did.
“I can’t remember my exact words but my point was that you have to get into the minds of the people involved.
“I think I said something about Muslims and Jews and it got blown out of all proportion.
“Suddenly I was told I should go home.
“I wasn’t making a speech, I was just chatting to my friend. I am not racist.”
Weeks later he says he found out two people, including one who had not been in the pub, had complained to the council.
Grandad and B&B owner Mr Workman, a town resident for 38 years, said “I didn’t want to be another victim of cancel culture so I got ahead of the game and stepped down.
“I now regret not telling my side because I feel like I’ve been victimised on the basis of pub gossip and rumour.
“I will really miss being Stratford’s Mr Shakespeare.
The council confirmed they have hired a replacement and thanked Mr Workman.
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