Charity boss Ngozi Fulani says she has suffered ‘horrific abuse’ on social media

A charity boss who was repeatedly asked where she ‘really’ came from by a lady-in-waiting says she has suffered ‘horrific abuse’ on social media.

Ngozi Fulani, the British-born founder of the charity Sistah Space, expressed shock at her treatment by Lady Susan Hussey, 83, following an event at Buckingham Palace last week.

Lady Susan, who had served the late Queen for six decades, stepped down from her honorary role ‘with immediate effect’ amid a furious outcry after Ms Fulani revealed she had asked: ‘Where are you really from?’. 

But Ms Fulani – whose charity represents Afro-Caribbean victims of domestic abuse – says her family has been under ‘immense pressure’ since the exchange.

Ngozi Fulani, the British-born founder of the charity Sistah Space, expressed shock at her treatment by Lady Susan Hussey

Lady Susan, who had served the late Queen for six decades, stepped down from her honorary role ‘with immediate effect’ amid a furious outcry

In a statement issued on Monday, she said: ‘The last week has been an extremely difficult time for us all at Sistah Space. 

‘My team, family and I have been put under immense pressure and received some horrific abuse via social media. 

‘Yet throughout this time I have been heartened by the huge amount of support we have received. 

‘I want to thank everyone for that, and it has shown me that love will always triumph over hate.’

Lady Susan, the Prince of Wales’ godmother, is said to have repeatedly challenged Ms Fulani when she said she was British at the Queen Consort’s reception highlighting violence against women and girls.

According to a transcript Ms Fulani posted online, Lady Hussey asked where she came from, to which she replied that her charity was based in Hackney, North-East London. 

But Lady Hussey went on to ask her: ‘Where do you really come from, where do your people come from?’

A stunned Ms Fulani replied: ‘My people’ lady, what is this?’ She eventually said she was of Caribbean descent and African origin, to which Lady Hussey apparently replied: ‘I knew we’d get there in the end, you’re Caribbean!’

Now plans are said to be under way for Charles and Camilla to meet Ms Fulani so that they can address what happened at the event and the issues involved, though she claims not to have received any contact.

According to a transcript Ms Fulani posted online, Lady Hussey repeatedly asked where she came from 

Meanwhile, Ms Fulani told ITV’s Good Morning Britain: ‘Although I didn’t experience physical violence, what I feel I experienced was a form of abuse.’ 

Pressed on whether the Palace has contacted her via her organisation, Ms Fulani said: ‘No. I don’t know where this has come from but I’m telling you categorically – we have not heard from the Palace.’

Describing how Lady Susan also touched her hair, she added: ‘I was stood next to two other women – black women – and she (Lady Susan) just made a beeline for me and she took my locks and moved it out of the way so that she could see my name badge.

‘That’s a no-no. I wouldn’t put my hands in someone’s hair and culturally it’s not appropriate.’

Ms Fulani also said the comments were down to racism, not Lady Susan’s age.

‘I’ve heard so…