#BakeOffFakeOff

FAO

BBC – Tim Davies, Director General – Broadcaster of GBBO, Chronicles Of Nadiya & Fast Flavours

Channel 4 – Ian Katz, Chief Content Officer – Broadcaster of GBBO

Next – Simon Wolfson, CEO

The Times – John Witherow, Editor

Sky Studios – Cécile Frot-Coutaz CEO – Part Owners of Love Productions

Wall to Wall Media – Leanne Klein, MD & Head, Production Company for Fast Flavours

CC Starlight Children’s Foundation – Cathy Gilman, CEO and WaterAid – Tim Wainwright, CEO

To see the Cover letter  of the email – sent, Monday 14 November, 2021, 14:04 click here (COMING SOON)

Dear All,

Official Complaint re

GBBO CREATORS LOVE PRODUCTIONS + Nadiya Hussain, Anne Kibel Of AK Management

I am Yasmin Choudhury. CEO of award winning Lovedesh®.

The world’s first ever truly ethical luxury brand – with heart. A not for profit.

On a mission to protect people and planet. And founder of many charities including Amcariza Foundation

I am a WOC social entrepreneur. A polymath. A business leader. A thought leader. A human rights campaigner. A fashion sustainability expert. Designer. A professionally trained actress. Writer.

And I’m also the only one in the world, working directly at the  grassroots, who is also helping to carry the voices of some of those most impacted by human rights and climate change, who live in Bangladesh.

I am aware you and many others, are involved in hiring, endorsing and platforming Ms Nadiya Hussain. Her content. As well as that of Love Productions the creators of #GBBO (Great British Bake Off).

I also think it’s a disgrace that they have kept quiet and have gone ahead and renewed their GBBO contract with Channel 4.

https://www.channel4.com/press/news/channel-4-and-love-productions-sign-new-bake-agreement

I ask you to suspend.

As I am now submitting a formal complaint about Ms Nadiya Hussain, her agent Ms Anne Kibel, of AK management and Great British Bake Off  (herein “GBBO”) creators, Love Productions.

And my complaint is being submitted as COP 26 the UN’s Climate Change Conference draws to a close.

I want to publicly state that my daughter Amber Choudhury-Kaye, is not involved nor connected in any of the disputes and currently on a sabbatical now, running her own business Ara Eco Design Studios. Nor is she in anyway to be associated with anything I write.

It is regrettable but I have taken the unusual step of naming just some of the high-profile establishments that are connected with promoting and platforming Miss Nadia Hussain, the great British Bake Off Winner of 2015.

But I don’t want this swept under the carpet. As I know that by coming to yourselves, I may at last be taken seriously.  Given Love Productions has not. It is time for the parties referred to in this complaint, to be held accountable.

BBC LEGAL DEPARTMENT

On September 21, 2021 I wrote to Mr Peter Ranyard, BBC’s Head Of Corporate Legal – via Linked In. After I sent an invite to connect and he allowed me to connect with him.  Again to express concerns.

I possess the text.

I got no response.

I also thought I had written to all three parties again, but upon checking my email inbox, I cannot see any evidence that I have contacted them recently.  However, I have been very ill.  And so I will be contacting them to ask them, for any copies of correspondence I sent to them in September 2021.

But I did do a Tweet.  To Channel 4, Love Productions and Anne Kibel Management who were copied in.

Again I did not copy in Ms Hussain. Because she has representation, on business matters.

My #GBBO scandal.

Yo @LoveProductions + @AKAManagement – remember me? ❤️ I remember you. Imma coming to collect. Tsk tsk. So naughty.

I hope BBC (@Channel4) look at the history of your conduct. And change editorial policy. What was done to my @LovedeshScout was horrendous pic.twitter.com/bFT0HrGysp

— Yasmin A. Choudhury FRSA (@yasminisyasmin) September 21, 2021

Silence.

I think I now know why. Love Productions have been busy in negotiations. They continue to greedily line their own pockets.  They just signed an extension. And I am very very upset. With the ascendency of this racist and classist white media firm.

I want to make it clear that I will not tolerate any form of abuse, malice or harassment on any of the individuals I am complaining about. And anyone seeking or purporting to do so on my behalf, or the Victims of Rana Plaza is will not be tolerated by us.

I will do everything in my power to protect and to ask that we find a civilised and compassionate way forward.

This can be resolved with love and kindness. And the sole purpose of going public, is because I’m quite frankly exhausted at how unethical our society is.  I don’t think if I wrote to these organisations they would actually give the proper respect that is due.  Given that they never gave it before..

And that maybe, just maybe, by sharing, the business sector will begin to race towards upholding highest standards of integrity and ethics. As it is clear from this experience I’m about to share, many have lost their way and I know this much, humans and never born horrid. Society shapes them – it is all socially constructed.

COMPLAINT

I am submitting a shocking and distressing experience.

I possess evidence that Ms Nadiya Hussain, her agent Anne Kibel Management & the makers of Great British Bake Off’s production company Love Productions, do not protect people and planet.

In fact, they are doing the opposite, they are harming people and planet.  And it is my sincere belief that they have “stolen” and at the very least infringed the moral rights of work. As some have put it.

And that they have shown disregard for basic dignity and human rights. Regarding some of the poorest communities, who themselves are at most risk from climate change.

This complaint is also submitted on behalf of the Lovedesh Rana Plaza Victims Group and the rural villagers of Bangladesh, at least four who have since died. Who are not alive to bring their complaint.

First – here is a link to a home made video I did, to explain who and what Rana Plaza is about.  Their story.

Please be warned that the short film mentions deaths of garment workers as well as visuals. 

9-07 Ordinary Voices June 27 2013 FINAL from Yasmin Choudhury on Vimeo.

This is a private video that was created in 2014, under fair use condition by Lovedesh founder Yasmin Choudhury, in the immediate aftermath, of the horrific Rana Plaza factory collapse.

In which 1,136 garment workers died. Some were as young as 13, whose bodies have never even been found to this day.

The film not only help educate herself, but also to inform the work that Lovedesh has been doing in order to protect people and planet.

And has also created a Lovedesh Rana Plaza Victims Group, in which survivors, and relatives of the dead are often sponsored, given grants and being in powered in order to reclaim their voice. From privileged fashion campaigners, often white women, who have used the trauma tragedy and tea is to create fashion campaigns and fashion campaigning organisations, which often raising donations without involving the victims themselves.

LOVEDESH RANA PLAZA VICTIMS GROUP MANDATE

Next, here is the mandate given to me, to take whatever and any legal or complaint procedure I choose.  To progress the work of Lovedesh. As there are about 30 victims who have joined this group.

Summary of Complaint 

Lovedesh is resurrecting a historical complaint it issued to all three parties back in 2016.  That relates to a BBC1 cooking documentary that was aired. Called BBC1’s “Chronicle Of Nadiya“. For which no resolution, no apology was provided.

I possess evidence relating to the infringement of copyright, disrespect and disregard to human rights and work that was done by me and Lovedesh for charitable purposes  – by GBBO Creators Love Production, Ms Hussain and her British agent Anne Kibel of AK Management.

Put simply – these three infringed the moral rights to my original work and copied content from my website  and then used it all, to platform and promote Miss Nadiya Hussain.  In a way that I feel is false.  And has misled the public. And denied income to the very poorest.

In doing so, it also failed to credit and erased my name, my work and that of the cohort of destitute rural village women and men in Bangladesh, that had been training and teaching me heritage cooking skills.  So that I could promote and platform an innovative new way to showcase Bangladesh as a wonderful destination.

And the reason why it is so serious is this.

Many of the villagers have since died. While many are now sick and ill.

I hope you will now see why it’s so serious. Because no amount of money or compensation will ever wipe my distressed tears as well as those shed by those, who will not be alive today, in joining me to see recognition of their efforts made, after I mentored them on projects I created to help protect people and planet.

I also submit a new complaint as well, in 2021.

Given “Fast Flavours” Ms Hussain’s new cookery programme is being aired.  And why Wall to Wall are copied in as they are the Production Company. Again, similar to a concept where I have been known never to follow recipes, and instead create twists to dishes.

And I’m due to go public about it all.

LOVEDESH 10+ FILES #JusticeForYasmin

I am now coming forward to talk about some of the horrors that we have endured. At the hands of many.

And how Lovedesh, the world’s first ethical luxury brand, has been attacked, destroyed and erased.  Not just by those who are supposed to love and care for me. But by those who claim to be caring for people and planet.And the scale and breath and magnitude of the shit a ray of unethical conduct, and sheer disrespect towards the poorest people in Bangladesh and UK, I have been trying t support,  that I have experienced in my time as CEO of Lovedesh, has to be published.

As it is in the public interest for society to learn, how we, who work at the grassroots, and do not chase profit – are treated.

I’m due to upload all chapters of my personal memoir is called Lovedesh 10+ files, the highs and horrors of trying to do good. Of the journey that I’ve had to endure, and how I’ve been left with a invisible disability, due to the trauma of it all.   These will be video blogs probably on YouTube, and you to be unveiled in the approach to the International Day of Eliminating Violence Against Women And Girls, which is occurring on the 25th November, 2021.

As well as the launch of #BizMeToo.  The problems and solutions of how female professionals, business owners, entrepreneurs and students are having their careers destroyed due to domestic and sexual violence.

While there is no relation whatsoever with regard to domestic violence or any sexual impropriety with regard to my complaint about the three parties, the fact that I had to handle my dispute with them,  while simultaneously being a survivor, has forced me to come forward and share my story.

This particular post is in relation to the British celebrity baker Ms Nadiya  Hussain and those who represent her.

AK Management and Love Productions.

More names are coming. It seems that everyone is busy plundering people and planet, while publicly proclaiming protection of people and planet. A quick look at Lovedesh Hall of Horrors will explain who has been involved in attempting to hurt our work in creating solutions that address better human rights and climate change. The extent is breath taking and has happened because I am self funded. And alone. And am a woc.

You are welcome to also read the post that I’ve just done about Barclays Bank.  Who have dumped Lovedesh without a bank account in the run up to and during COP26.  The United Nations global climate change conference.  Yet somehow Barclays has managed to turn a blind eye to their recently resigned CEO Jes Stayler, who when convicted sex offender and predator Jeffrey Epstein in 2008 was in jail, continued to provide banking services.

It seems with banks such as JP Morgan and Barclays, a client can hurt people and they can still get banking. But when small not for profits like us protect people and planet as Lovedesh does – we get booted out.  We have no bank account and our entire Christmas catalogue to help sustain our business, is in ruins.

I want big business and those with power and flat form to understand that when they are busy trampoline or hurting small business owners, we do not have the resources all the stamina. And that often, there are many other things going on in the background, which together, can cause severe harm and injury.

And by telling my story, hopefully all of you and the rest of the world, will start to understand and to ascertain who are the genuine and sincere stewards, who have shown evidence of voluntarily protecting people and planet.

And why we need protection ourselves.  As I’m just so tired, so heartbroken.

Hence.

I am now writing formally to ask:

Please suspend working with this talent and withdraw all and any programmes “Fast Flavours”, “GBBO The Final” and all content created by Love PRODUCTIONS. 

Until they help put right the wrong done to me and Lovedesh communities we work with.

Out of respect for those who died.

I am also now registered disabled – due to the man made trauma inflicted on me.

So bear with me for any spelling mistakes. And I reserve the right to clarify any confusion that may arise in this post – and suggest any such questions be asked of me.

Yasmin Choudhury

CEO OF LOVEDESH

________________________________________________________

THE EMAIL CHAIN 

_______________________________________

THE FIRST GBBO LOVE PRODUCTIONS  EMAIL

17 Feb 201613:10 GMT

Dear Yasmin and Team at Lovedesh,

I hope this email finds you well and you don’t mind me getting in touch.

I’m a producer at a TV Production company called Love Productions (www.loveproductions.co.uk). I have just started work on a new 2 part food-based series for BBC One which will be filmed in Bangladesh. I came across your amazing website and details online and would be really grateful to talk to someone about what we’re making.

My details are below and I hope to perhaps hear,

With very best wishes,

Charlotte 

__________________________

THE CALL

In our first call, Charlotte informed me breathlessly they were making a programme in Bangladesh. She refused to divulge the name, but told me that a “celebrity” had been asked to revisit her heritage nation.

And that she would be exploring the cooking. And “all the amazing things you and Lovedesh have been doing”

I immediately guessed it was to be fronted by Nadiya Hussain. I asked her if I was correct. Charlotte told me she was not at liberty to say so.  And that it was just very early days. And she refused to confirm this.

I was immediately irked to hear Nadiya had not even visited Bangladesh.

I am known to be a lone voice – often found to be talking about “brown privilege” – often what I call “passport privilege”. And how “Desis” – those living in our heritage nations in South Asia, are treated.  Double triple whammy – not just by racist whites and structurally whites – but by those in the global diaspora. And then of course by the rich in Bangladesh – and so on and on.

They simply are treated as serfs.

I recall telling Charlotte that I found it rather disappointing, that a newly made celebrity, had to be paid, and given a red carpet rolled out, in order for her to spend time with Bangladeshis. For her to be seen cooking traditional dishes  – all that I did – with a budget – something I had no access to was a dream.  But that I accepted how media world works – and that of course I welcomed it.

She sounded a bit uncomfortable.  But she carried on gushing and gushing.

Charlotte was adamant she wanted to meet me. That I must come into their offices.  She spoke at length about my Lovedesh website – and all my detailed cooking,  travel concept and itineraries and more. She had trawled all over it and want to discuss all my ideas.

I felt my skin crawling, as this white female producer was talking to me.

I found her extremely dodgy.  The sheer entitlement.

She was attempting to flatter me but was struggling with me – as she could feel she was not getting anywhere.

But I maintained a polite conversation. I quizzed her.

I repeatedly asked her what was the purpose. And recall getting more and more frustrated

Charlotte soon began to stumble and continued gushing and just telling me how wonderful it would be, if I was to have a meeting with them. As she had seen all my work and thought it would be “valuable”.

I remarked to her “valuable to who though?”.

She continued to urge me: “You must must come in”.

I refused to attend a meeting at their offices.  There and then.  She wanted me to come in, even the next day.

I recall laughing saying that I had plans.  I simply could not believe the audacity.  I then remarked how rich her organisation was. And that clearly, as they had a budget, how much would be made available to Lovedesh and what would be our exact role?

I said they have to pay me for my time. And my villagers.  Or at the very least involve me or involve and feature my rural villagers. With Nadiya meeting them.

I told her that I could not have my thought leadership mined – unless there was significant role and financial aspect to it.  That we were a not-for-profit and to remember that as much as the media shows a window on the world, and it helps to give a warm fuzzy feeling to audience, the real backbreaking work is going on behind the scenes and in the grassroots and all of this needed funding.

I even offered to assist with the production. She said no they had their own people.

I continued and kept asking “but then why do you need me?”

The reality is they had stolen my ideas and the cheek of it, they expected me to go in for free and help them.

In 2016, now you know my earlier story – after having almost bled, sweated and toiled for Lovedesh, as a single mother and survivor of domestic violence including my teenage daughter and having been made homeless, for the work that I was doing, I refused to be GBBO creator’s  dumb “brown ally”.

I told her I would think about it.  She then suggested that yes it would be best if she went away and thought about it. And that I also think about it.

I asked her to email me. And to clarify more info.  And to send me slots.

Back to Charlotte.  I knew as I left – the phone. Her tone was dismissive. I could tell she was turned off.  She seem dissatisfied.

i got worried so I wrote in.

____________

8 March 2016

Hi Charlotte

Yasmin Choudhury from Lovedesh here. 

We spoke on Friday 19 Feb for over an hour I think.  After you had sent me the email below and had contacted me asking I contact you. You asked me to spend time thinking about our phone chat and that you would do the same.  But I then never heard back from you. 

I am dropping an email to share my thoughts, having listened to you and your plans over the phone to me, to produce a 2 part BBC1 film about Bangladesh involving a UK ‘celeb’ of Sylheti heritage  – who you tell me has not been to Bangladesh and is reconnecting with her heritage decades later.  And who will be exploring Bangladesh and food and ‘attempting to show another side to Bangladesh’.  

My wild guess is this is Ms Nadia Jamir Hussain from GBBO…?  I very much admire her as she seems a lovely lady.  Apologies if I am wrong.  

I thank you for inviting me out of the blue, to come and have a 30 minute chat with you.  But I recall declining as I informed you I was not clear on the merit of me attending back then.

Here is why.  

I recall stating at the outset I find it hard and disappointing to deal with quite a few programme makers now, who call me up to tap me for ideas or for my time on Bangladesh without any credit. acknowledgment or financial recompense which you said you understood.  

Yet I was still being asked in by you to meet you. My guess is perhaps to discuss and approve your ideas? All at no benefit to me or Lovedesh, which I think is and would be very unfair.  As when I asked if there would be a fee  – you said all budget had been committed.  There was no mention of perhaps even using me as an expert consultant on Bangladesh –  given my endorsed media profile as a travel expert which is recognised by Conde Naste Traveller.  

Therefore  am still confused why I would come in for a meeting?  

What I took away from our phone call was total uncertainty as to why your production company sought to connect with Lovedesh – especially on the eve of an imminent reckie trip to Bangladesh.  You told me you and your team were aware of Lovedesh, its website (which openly shares a lot of the country’s secret food travel and design attractions and has published an itinerary which is original content as well as YouTube videos).  Especially the wood fired curry which I have introduced to the UK and which is trademarked in the UK by the Intellectual Property Office.  Which I, as a social entrepreneur and activist,  have unearthed alone for the past 4 years to help deliver good. And have slowly brought to the attention of the UK public as well as secret attractions and food recipes of Bangladesh.  

I explained repeatedly Lovedesh is a not a commercial profit hungry entity.  It is a social enterprise.   That I have been exploring and unearthing Bangladesh for over 4 years.  All of the projects I have undertaken have been out of my own pocket to serve the people in Bangladesh – hence why the future of this programme stance is of great interest and concern to me.  As I will be seeking to assert my legal moral rights – which fall under common law.  I must and will do all I can to protect and represent the interests of the food travel and design artisans, who are seeking to build a long term sustainable career via Lovedesh. After having offered you the opportunity to work with me/Lovedesh on content I produce, am highly worried that later, once your programme is aired – it might be construed as mirroring the work we do – which could cause complexities.  Good news is all this can be easily avoided at this stage.   

On the call you repeatedly explained there was no potential for me (even in a personal capacity it seems) or for Lovedesh to get involved. You also told me all the fixers/local team were all arranged.  That there was no ‘room for manoeuvre’. I recall suggesting that from the BBC viewer’s point of view, it would be good and fair and in your editorial interests to show on screen your celeb being shown some of  the work I had been doing with rural villages and artisans. But again, you said no.  As you told me the agenda is now fixed.  You cited BBC guidelines as a barrier to having the ‘brand Lovedesh’ involved (at which point I mentioned there was no need to even mention Lovedesh if need be) – yet I have since checked other programmes and if there is an editorial rationale for name checking original ideas/content- then this can be allowed.   After all has BBC never interviewed individual founders as part of their documentaries?  However while you did suggest I should come in for a chat and see ‘how it plays out’ – it was too tenuous and vague hence why I had to decline as my schedule is very busy at short notice.    What worries me highly is that you said to me in the call your programme  is keen to show how ‘Bangladesh can be a tourist destination and is misunderstood’. Well – that is the single mission my work is about.  All of which is detailed on my website.  it is why I and Lovedesh are award winning. And why in January 2016, I won Entrepreneur of the Year award at the national British Muslim Awards – all of which is in the public domain – as well as again, Conde Naste Traveller magazine who have published and named me expert for ‘unusual destinations’ and who talk about my work in Bangladesh.  So I am recognised publically for this very mission which perhaps seems to be your editorial angle?  It is why for me to hear how this may now be the same angle presented by your celeb – is of great interest to me.  And why I seek urgent dialogue to solve this.  

To conclude.  It seems to me there was little scope from the outset of our call for me to have any input/contribution for this programme – even when I suggested I would be happy to be chat with your celeb on screen about why my idea of showing another side to Bangladesh by proactively promoting its food, design and travel to the UK – was important to the world and would help the destitute.  

Having spoken to my business mentors  and corporate legal advisors, all of whom give me free pro bono advice (because they see merit in my vision to change and disrupt global development) – we are now keen to discuss and see the editorial stance of your programme. As all the original content and work Lovedesh has been doing is critical to the well being and future prospects of my artisans.  They have also advised me copyright of ideas does not need to be trademarked as the very fact it is on my website and public is deemed sufficient as ‘moral rights’.  And why I now seek to protect this.  

Therefore, I would again urge and suggest you review your programme to see if there is a way to work this out?  To see if there is any merit to you being inclusive of my work or even giving credit of some sort – so that editorially the viewers of the BBC programme are made aware that the idea of unearthing secrets of Bangladesh – be it food, design and travel was in fact an original idea created by me.  As without this – then the idea that your celebrity goes to Bangladesh – to present the very same food, (possibly even talk about the travel and design secrets too) that is in fact already published by me and Lovedesh and is pre-existing content and widely published and publicised by the media and already out in the public domain/social media  – would be worrying for me.  As well as perhaps editorially unfair – as I think it could be argued by some it misleads the BBC and the viewing public?  In fact right now it is already worrying me.  And therefore my team and I would then move towards checking and reviewing via the BBC their editorial guidelines on original documentary programme content and what exact namecheck or editorial reference/input correctly needs to be given to folks like us out in the field, whose original ideas/content production companies mirror to present in their TV programme.  

If we can perhaps meet to discuss this further? As my key objective is to do and get this right for the BBC, the viewers and of course the people of Bangladesh. Which am sure is a key objective critical to you too.   

And if it is Ms Nadiya Hussain who presents this programme  – I think that she as a fellow Sylheti British Bangladeshi would be 100% equally supportive of ensuring recognition for the work that has been done by another fellow British mother out in Bangladesh (I am a single mother and am proud to do all this without a husband or support of any of my community or family -as the changes I am seeking to make are controversial as it seeks to disrupt the global development sector as well as the role of British Bangladesh Muslim women in society).  I talk much of female empowerment and write about it too for the Independent and LSE. So not to have any reference in your programme of the work already being done for Bangladesh through food ideas of mine, would make the long term supporters of Lovedesh very sad – as we have been walking on this slow, hard journey for a long time.  Moreover, it would disappoint me to find out Nadiya (or whoever this celeb is), was led to making this programme without being informed at all of me or of my original work being done out in Bangladesh for her fellow countryfolk via Lovedesh and Amcariza Foundation. 

Finally.  You wanted my thoughts – I would further be so very disappointed to see that we did not resolve this. And that despite this email, your programme went ahead to cover content similar to my work – that exists on the Lovedesh website with perhaps no reference/credit.

Sorry for this long email – but it is critical you understand the stance I am taking on this matter.  

I look forward to hearing from you and resolving this.  And I am available for face to face meeting this week and next. 

Regards

Yasmin 

______

Sent: 15 March 2016 12:11
To: Charlotte Armstrong
Subject: Fwd: BBC One Programme

Hi Charlotte

I have had no reply to my email below dated 8 March. Nor any phone call.  As you can imagine, the editorial programme is of great interest to Lovedesh and the projects we are running.

Can you get in touch in the next few days?  Otherwise perhaps it is best I contact Richard McKerrow or Anna Beattie – for a response?  Am keen to get an official response from Love Productions asap.  Moreover please confirm your celebrity? As if she is Nadiya Jamir Hussain, we will be keen to speak to her agent Anne Kibel, to ensure she and Nadiya are made aware of Lovedesh work and projects in Bangladesh.

I am keen to discuss this matter and resolve it. I think it is in Love Productions interest to do so.

Thanks

Yasmin Choudhury

________________________________________

Hi Yasmin,

Terribly sorry you think I didn’t reply. However, I did respond on 8^th March, perhaps it went into your Junk? I will forward you the email again now.

Thank you for your interest and correspondence, but as I said in my last email, sorry we were not able to make working together a possibility on this occasion.

Kind regards,

Charlotte

_________
Charlotte sent me email I missed getting

From: Charlotte Armstrong

_____________________________

15 March 2016 at 12:56:51 GMT

I even called the BBC which is a nightmare to get through to you. And I left a message on the voicemail of a personal assistant responsible for the commissioning of factual programs. I got not reply.

Next I attempted to reach Anne Kibel. Agent to Ms Hussain.

_________________________

15 March 2016 – 13:23

Hi Anne 

Private & Confidential 

I am Yasmin Choudhury. Founder of Lovedesh – a British startup brand designed to champion the “Third World’ – especially Bangladesh. 

I believe you represent Nadiya Jamir Hussain?  If so, can you please confirm if Nadia has been contracted to Love Productions via BBC for a 2 part episode on Bangladesh? 

If so, I want you to know I was pro-actively contacted by Charlotte Armstrong from Love Productions several weeks ago.  

Charlotte called me and told me a programme BBC on Bangladesh is being made –  but did not reveal the name of the presenter. I then guessed it might be Nadiya (I could be wrong) and despite asking Charlotte to reveal the name of the presenter – she did not answer.  It is important you contact me – as if it is Nadiya who is involved – you may need to be aware that there is an issue brewing my end with the Love Production editorial angle and the making of this programme.  As it could affect Lovedesh’s moral rights – as my brand is also award winning and for the work done – I received title ‘entrepreneur of the year’ at the 2016 British Muslim Awards.   

As a British Bangladesh mother myself – I do much work already out in Bangladesh.  All content is on my Lovedesh website designed to help the world explore Bangladesh and promote its image.  And it seems Love Production have been poring over my content. This is where the issue lies.  I will explain more if we speak as to why. 

Social entrepreneurs like me, passionately work to protect artisans and villagers – so I will be seeking to engage all parties related to this BBC programme the outset. Perhaps you can to call and discuss this? As Lovedesh Productions (sic) have now taken the stance to go silent and chosen not to address the concerns I have raised regarding our moral rights.  And I want to potentially avoid any embarrassing public spat that may end up dragging in the presenter of this programme.  

If it is not Nadiya – then am very sorry to have disturbed.   

Thank you 

Yasmin Choudhury, Founder

___________________________

I THEN GET THE FIRST OF LEGAL B – TO CONTACT ME. 

_________________________________________

EMAIL FROM RUPERT FRISBY.

LOVE PRODUCTIONS DIRECTOR OF LEGAL & COMMERCIAL AFFAIRS

(Note how Rupert Frisby attempts to gag me.  My message to him today is this – if he has the courage to come and sue me.   As my defence will be it is in the public interest. I have every right to publish emails that attempt to hurt and infringe not only my moral rights but also the work being done to protect people and planet).

17  March 2016 12:04

PRIVATE AND CONFIDENTIAL

NOT FOR PUBLICATION

 

Dear Yasmin,

 

Your correspondence with Charlotte Armstrong has been passed to me for a response.

 

The purpose of Charlotte’s call was to gather some background information from someone who is clearly an expert on Bangladesh, ahead of our production team’s trip to recce locations for our forthcoming programme. We are very concerned that in doing so, we have caused you offence or contributed to any misunderstanding between us – that was very far from our intention.

 

It seems that it is not the first time you have been approached by programme makers, so you will be aware that calls of this nature are not uncommon whilst producers are in the course of developing programme themes ahead of filming. As you have pointed out, Charlotte did make it clear to you during the course of the conversation that we would not be able to engage you on the Programme or feature you or Lovedesh’s work within it.  I hope that you accept that we were not under any obligation to do so, just as you were not under any obligation to assist us with the Programme or continue the conversation – and I believe you have since chosen not to.

 

With regards to intellectual property rights, this is an issue that we as programme makers take very seriously. We note the assertion of your moral rights and your trademark in Wood Fired Curry. We also have the utmost respect for your work in promoting Bangladesh and that part of your work you have chosen to put into the public domain. Please be assured we have no intention of exploiting any of your intellectual property in our documentary – we will take good care in making this programme, as we always do, to ensure that no-one’s rights are infringed. I would like to point out however that it is highly doubtful, as a matter of law, that you would be able claim exclusive rights over some of the themes or ideas you mention in your letter, such as ‘unearthing the secrets of Bangladesh’ or ‘Bangladesh as a tourist destination’.

 

I hope nevertheless that this letter helps to allay your concerns.

 

Yours sincerely,

Rupert Frisby

Director of Legal & Commercial Affairs

______________

I was very worried.

No reply. So I chased up. Via Twitter. I tweeted Ms Kibel

_________________

EMAIL FROM MS NADIYA HUSSAIN’S AGENT

23 March 2016

______________________

Alarm bells rang. I then sent emails – pleading and sharing personal info.

The email also explained the extremely personal information and the horrors and trauma of being by myself, a woman of colour, a single mother. Asking them not to erase my work. And asking she and Ms Hussain simply help me.

I felt embarrassed – at having to share such personal information.  But my father raised me to always think the best of people until they prove you otherwise.  So I took a risk. And shared personal info.

________________

25 MARCH 2016 – 13:06

MY EMAIL TO THE SENIOR MANAGEMENT OF LOVE PRODUCTIONS

On 25 Mar 2016, at 13:06, Yasmin Choudhury  wrote:

Dear Mr Frisby, Legal, Loved Productions,

CC: Richard McKerrow, Creative Director, Anna Beattie, Joint Creative Director, Charlotte Armstrong, Producer,

Happy Easter.

Thank you for your email below.

I did not sign an NDA, so to write to me with these words ‘not for publication’ is lost on me. I also note you opted to flag up to me that I would not be successful in court. I am not seeking to take this to court Sir. This is very simple.  It is about your multi-million pound earning company, which I think is owned by Sky, doing the right thing by me and the impoverished artisan folks in Bangladesh, who I have been working with for many years.

Please put this right? This can be easily rectified.  I suggest you do find a way of involving Lovedesh? By giving me and my artisans, who I work with, who are destitute and deserve recognition – rightful credit.

I suggest we have a meeting to perhaps help see if we can find a way forward? I offered this already to your producer Ms Charlotte Armstrong – as well as writing to Ms Anne Beattie your joint creative founder, (see email attachments below), both of whom did not reply. Instead I was forwarded to you in their legal department. And so I got the email below. When a call would have done?

Hence, I again attach the email trail I have exchanged with your producer Ms Armstrong and founder Ms Anna Beattie, in which my concerns over my moral rights and mirroring are laid out – again and again. Which Ms Armstrong chose to completely ignore and dismiss. Her short email simply said ‘sorry it did not work out’, which clearly was written to ignore and dismiss me.

<Re: BBC One Programme>

<Fwd: BBC One Programme.eml>

Moreover it is inaccurate to say I declined a meeting. The email trail I attach shows I offered to meet Ms Armstrong, who initially seemed very eager to want to meet me. She left voicemail and email.  I simply declined to meet her as it was too short notice, vague and I noted rushed as it seemed to coincide on the eve of her Reccie trip to Bangladesh. She then asked me on the phone, I think it over and that we connect again. I never heard back. Most alarming was she already told me there would be no benefit Love Productions wished to offer Lovedesh, despite her still seeking my time and after having explored my ideas via internet, my website and over our phone chat. This is not right.  This was even after telling me how much she supported my ‘amazing’ philanthropic work regarding food and travel of Bangladesh.

I have been nothing but helpful, supportive and professional. I welcome this BBC programme. And will do all I can to support and help you.  But I again express concern and disappointment to see how you are heading editorially. And how you and your presenter, stand to hurt and maim Lovedesh by trying to take credit for something that has already been done by us.

My late father died Sir in a horrific road accident in Bangladesh. Before he was able to complete his full vision to help destitute, poor rural people. And it is in his memory I do and did Lovedesh and the charity Amcariza.   To continue his legacy.  And to smash stigma of nations like Bangladesh by campaigning for LTTTW.  For Love Productions to refuse to give credit or involve me and my artisans – despite claiming to care for Bangladesh and doing right by this nation and its people  – is conflicting.

I am also a single mother, who had the moral courage to fly out alone over years to Bangladesh, to compile and undertake deep grassroots R&D. I collated content singel handedly, to help unearth its food, travel and design secrets out of my own pocket. And have been promoting Bangladesh as a tourist destination – with no financial benefit or incentive.

I am not motivated by profit.  I am in business of making Lovedesh a success one day, simply to deliver more income and good for the people in Bangladesh and the ‘Third World’.  I had no TV budget, no crew and often travelled alone, with my young daughter – often under great political upheaval, threat and risk to my own personal safety.  I do not have a husband or family or community who backs or helps me, so the work I accomplished has been done so with my own gruelling blood, sweat and tears – as well that of my artisans.  We are authentic and integrity led. So many good souls, volunteers and journalists in UK and Bangladesh are behind Lovedesh.  This is why Lovedesh and I are award winning – as I am told my vision and work is unique, pioneering and its content of interest to the general public and media.

It might help explain why I keep urging you to do right by Lovedesh and all its artisans. It could even be argued that Love Productions, creator of The Great British Bake Off (GBBO), which champions ordinary everyday food and baking artisans in UK  –  are trampling over my everyday food artisans in Bangladesh, simply to create a TV ratings winner. You more than anyone should undertand this?  Moreover it concerns me you intend to use a TV celebrity who I was informed, has hitherto had no interest in or has worked in Bangladesh. But now that s/he has been paid to do so and will fly out with a UK BBC TV crew but refused to work or credit Lovedesh.  Can you not see how this might appear?  For your presenter to promote Bangladesh food and destination, based on research compiled by a crew of perhaps white researchers at a UK indie TV company who scoured the web for ideas – who have admitted to exploring my innovative concept and content and seeking to mirror my work without credit, is unfair? And am sure your TV presenter, once s/he is made aware of our moral rights – would surely also support our right to be credited?

Next.  I, as a social entrepreneur often debate in the public domain, how to avoid the authentic work being done at grassroots in developing world, from being exploited by some white staffed foreign companies. Especially where concept research for TV, film and photography is concerned.   Can you see why I do take a stand? But I have every faith that Love Productions will prove to be of a different breed. That you will seek to assist and work with me to ensure ethical, moral editorial principles are not trampled over. That third party moral rights are respected and adhered to here.  Plus, given you are commissioned to make a BBC documentary programme – the tax payers and the BBC Trust rules on editorial integrity are maintained at all times. I also note, from my research of this petition against C4 after your company also came in for criticism over making Benefits Street – and of how poverty struck people were portrayed. Please do the right thing?

If you choose to dismiss Lovedesh and my destitute artisans, then you will rightfully respect my need to explore other options open to us. As I must ensure I do/did all I can, to resolve this matter to the satisfaction of me and my artisans.  I have also already informed Anne Kibel, agent of the lady whom I suspect is your presenter – Begum Nadiya Hussain, winner of GBBO 2015.  So as far as I am concerned, all parties are now fully aware of my moral rights and my deep concerns on this BBC documentary programme on Bangladesh.

I look forward to resolving this swiftly.  And am available to meet with you all, to help find a way forward, the week after next (week commencing 4 April 2016).

Kind regards

Yasmin Choudhury, Founder

____________

i never heard back. But this is the straw that broke the camels back. When I saw that Love Productions was in a dispute over concept copyright – the sheer hypocrisy.  Is staggering.

_____________

14 SEPT 2016 – 21:19 

FAO: Love Productions’ senior management

Good evening  Mr Frisby, Ms Armstrong, Mr McKerrow and Ms Anna Beattie

CC – Anne Kibel, Agent to Nadiya Hussain

Re Infringement of Lovedesh’s Moral Rights

It is no surprise but I am just so disappointed to have read of your latest actions.

I have read media reports  in Daily Telegraph and Guardian here  and also here.  Most interestingly of your alleged legal row the BBC over concept copyright.

I also note that Sue and Mel have issued a statement, commenting on the transfer of GBBO from BBC to C4: “We’re not going with the dough. We wish all the future bakers every success.” I applaud them.

Next, let us return to the row you have been having with BBC and how you accuse the BBC of ‘ ripping-off’ your GBBO concept. Your company’s hypocirsy is staggering.  Interesting to me is how you chose to leap to protect what you deem are your intellectual property. Yet ignored my concerns and refused to even reply to my emails when i stated Lovedesh’s moral rights were being infringed.

Moreover it is so very sad and unethical to witness how white staffed production companies like yours, wilfully chose to rip off the Lovedesh concept, which I had specifically designed to help destitute Bangladesh citizens. Not one of you chose to call me or even reply to allay my concerns or even discuss ethics at stake here and the right thing to do – which was to rightfully credit or involve Lovedesh, which has been showcasing Bangladesh.  All of which I have evidence –  and which I certainly did not do nor have made any profit from.

And when I asked you all, perhaps if we can find ways of working together, you instead got your legal department (via the very patronising Rupert Frisby) involved, who wrote in his email to me ‘not for publication’.  Perhaps he is ignorant that not all of us are ignorant on how the law works.  He seems to think I signed an NDA as otherwise who writes such words?  FYI – Certain legitimate topics concerning unethical or bad conduct can be debated openly ad social media has demonstrated time and time again – as it is in the public’s interest.

I would go even further to say that I suspect Love Productions simply created the show and Nadiya as a presenter – to make even more money for itself. And I know that all along, there really was never any intention to help the Bangladesh people out there because when offered the chance to do so, by me, each if you ran away from the table.

Next Steps

I will be taking this matter up and I will leave no stone unturned on this to resolve this matter the right and proper way.      I also knew you had assumed that I had let this lie – not at all.  From my own experience of meeting money orientated individuals, I knew if I waited long enough. ‘greedy’ companies like Love Productions would shoot itself in the foot, soon enough.

I want a response to my email below by the end of tomorrow Friday please. And I need you to put this matter right. It is now over to you to suggest ways forward. However I am also considering all other options.

And so I am very clear – I am not blaming Nadya Hussain at this stage.  I suspect she is and might be a very innocent pawn in all this. It is  why I now seek a formal reply from Anne Kibel her agent – as to whether she informed Nadya of the issues below as any good agent would.

I wish to speak with and contact Nadiya, as what little I know of her from media reports, she seems a lovely decent person. I am very sure Nadiya will be horrified to learn of what happened to me and my projects. And how shoddily we and my fellow Bangladeshis were trampled over and treated by Love Productions – just so Love Productions could air a programme and make money using Nadiya – who until this programme had never travelled out of her own interest in Bangladesh until I believe this programme she presents was developed for her. I also reiterate that I always welcomed the programme – there is enough room for us all but not at the expense of those, especially working in charity and desperate to help with poverty alleviation, who having laid the framework down for companies like you to make money from our ideas, find we are ignored and not even credited.

Incidentally – I am also heading to address a major industry sector conference later this year.  My experience so far with your production company has escalated the need for debate to be had over production company concept copyright and how in m my opinion – the developing world is being ripped of and why media titles such as Broadcast need to lead that debate. Which I will try and encourage them to consider.

I may not have money but I will never stop standing up for developing world. Now- over to you. Let us see how you plan to put this right?

Anne

Please can you arrange for Nadya and I to have a conversation asap? As I now wish to know whether you informed Nadiya that Love Productions, the company you both chose to work with, was made aware  they were infringing my moral rights. And how I would like to show her evidence that shows how I think Love Productions were disingenuous.  And how in my opinion I do have reason to believe they have ripped me and my villagers and fellow Bangladeshis odd, especially as I am a lone working single mother’s following her dream concept for Bangladesh – all of which can be proved by the email trails and evidence I have between us.

I wish you all a great evening.

Yours sincerely

Yasmin Choudhury, Founder

______________

I get a reply from their external lawyer.

On 15 Sep 2016, at 20:21, Nigel Abbas  wrote:

_________

My reply was

From: Yasmin Choudhury

_________

I then wrote to Ms Hussain again via Anne Kibel

I’d noted how there was a resignation by the original presenters Mel & Sue.  And soon of course the departure of Mary Berry.

16 September 2016 – 16:51

Anne

Re Lovedesh moral rights

Please see below.

Please provide a reply on Nadiya’s behalf. And whether she is prepared to meet me informally? To discuss this.

As I note you remained silent. Despite being told my of concerns.

This is about doing the right thing.

Regards

Yasmin C.

___________________________________________________

From: Nigel Abbas
Date: 20 September 2016 at 19:58:08 BST
To: Yasmin Choudhury
Cc: Rupert Frisby
Subject: RE: Your complaint

Dear Ms Choudhury

Thank you for your email.

We will respond substantively this week.

Yours sincerely

Nigel Abbas, Founder

ABBAS Media Law

___________

I never heard back.

On 26 September 2016, this is what Ms Kibel wrote.

Ms Kibel instead informed me they supported Love Production’s course of action.

26 September 2016 – 10.32am GMT

Dear Yasmin

Thanks for your recent emails about The Chronicles of Nadiya and apologies I haven’t had the chance to respond sooner.

I have seen your latest correspondence with Love Productions and their response sent to you on Friday.

I am writing to say that we fully support and agree with Love’s position in relation to this matter and accordingly we will not be commenting further.

Yours sincerely

Anne

___________________________

BACKGROUND TO LOVEDESH 

We are a British mother and daughter design duo, who since 2008, have been working at the grassroots to develop sustainable  food, fashion and travel. In Bangladesh.

My late father’s heritage is from Bangladesh. I was born, bred and educated in London.

I work for and on behalf of some of the poorest communities in Bangladesh.

Like Ms Shirley Chisholm, in her own words, I choose to remain  “Unbossed & Unbought”.  She was the first black woman to ever be elected to US Congress and the first woman to ever run for President.  And upon stumbling across her, a few days ago, I found the moral courage to sit down and write this post.

About what life looks like in 2021 – when you choose to be “Unbossed & Unbought”.

I am the first British entrepreneur and British born Bangladeshi to undertake the scale and magnitude of work in the International Development sector.  By deploying sustainable heritage food, fashion and travel experiences, I have been creating a hybrid business model that will boost income and provide new jobs. As a template that can then be spread and used around the world.

All of it is done on a shoestring, against all the odds.  And instead I am finding that the more attempts I make to ensure and defend it, the more problems escalate.  As it seems to me that those in the higher echelons of society, I have no desire no interest in protecting people and planet. I know because I’m about to show evidence.

I am an ordinary woman and find myself compelled into telling his extraordinary story, of me and my daughter aged seven by my side, in creating the world’s kindest T-shirt and the worlds kindest fabric. Which I hope will be unleashed.

My daughter was seven when she first began to join my work on finding solutions on climate change and humanitarian projects.   Together, we embarked on a journey to explore the root causes of poverty both in my heritage nation of Bangladesh as well as in coastal towns of United Kingdom. In particular, Cornwall and Lowestoft, East of England.

Despite me being a broke single mother. And a survivor of domestic violence and sexual assault.  Lovedesh was created by me, in order to solve some of the biggest problems facing the world today. Our projects now address global poverty, climate change and much more.

And it is the only organisation in the world endorsed by victims of Rana Plaza, garment workers and rural villagers, disabled Rickshaw drivers, cooks, rural villagers and more.

All our work is here.

Home

Here some films of just some of our pioneering work – world first’s.

https://vimeo.com/yasminc

I take no investments. It is utterly  self funded. With the odd minor grant.

________________________________________

HISTORY OF DISPUTE 

In 2015, during the making of BBC1’s Chronicle Of Nadiya, Love Productions, the Producers of this programme having trampled over my original work, even refused to pay fees nor credit the work that they stole from Lovedesh. They refused to feature and honour the rural villagers of Bangladesh. Who I collaborated with.    And II believe Ms Nadiya Hussain is aware of it all – as I sent all my complaints all to her agent.

I possess all the emails.

Whether her agent passed it all on to her I do not know – but I have chosen to assume yes. As to not do so, is to violate the code of conduct as an agent.

I also publicly call on Ms Nadiya Hussain to show me evidence she did not know. If she can do this – than I am more than happy to learn more.  And to work together with her to find a resolution.

For now. It is a reasonable for me to have concluded that all three of them did this, knowing the facts.  And are aware all the work I do, designed to help mentor, train and support some of the world’s poorest communities.  Evidence relating to all this is in the public domain. A quick google search will suffice. Plus we have won awards. Since 2013.

Ms Hussain claims to care for village life in Sylhet, Bangladesh. This is pertinent to this complaint because filming the BBC1’s Chronicles of Nadiya, I am told – showcases heritage cooking styles featured.  I am sorry I have never watched it.  If I did – it would make me fell ill – for reasons I hope will be made clear in this post.

At first, I couldn’t believe that Ms Hussain would ever accept that her own fellow Muslim, a WOC, a mother could be so mistreated.  And that she would at least want to listen to my evidence and complaint.

So I reached out to her agent Anne Kibel.

Love Production had even got lawyers on me, (always a sign to me of wrongdoing). I felt it was an attempt to intimidate me, a small creator.

I recall Love Production’s Legal expert Rupert Frisby had sent a nonsensical email.  In which he attempted to assert that they had done nothing wrong.   But he and all of them knew exactly what they were doing.

The arrogance and hubris as well as the structural racism, that all three parties were complicit in, was and is to this day, shocking for me.  The wilful erasure of me, a woc of colour’s work, as well as the rights of the rural village men and women in Bangladesh appeared not to matter to them at all.  Not one jot.

They all knew I was all alone. A single mother. And that my heritage is from the same region in Bangladesh as Ms Hussain’s.

After I got their lawyer’s letter, I felt threatened and intimidated. In 2016 I was also very powerless. They too must have figured it out.

A quick YouTube Search will show that I was in dispute with my own immediate blood family.

And unlike Ms Hussain, I do not have a husband nor a loving family.

And the background to this is relevant, as it will show the sheer horror I have had to endure. At the hands of not only my own, but also to have to handle many more such as the three parties I am complaining about in this post. And a host of many others.

I’m sorry for the long post. But it is what it is. And the context behind such a shocking revelation, deserves to be understood. In order to understand the enormity and scale of why there is merit to ensuring that the parties I’m complaining about are suspended.

In order to help protect people and planet.

IN DEPTH DETAILS OF THE DISPUTE

Here is how I ended up possessing long standing evidence that Ms Hussain and GBBO creator Love Productions and AK Management.  And of how Love Productions (the original culprits), first infringed my moral rights back in 2016. And the were supported and endorsed by Ms Hussain and AK Management to do so.

At first. Like many of you, and I’m sure millions of others. I was so extremely happy to see her winning in 2015.

I was so proud. So happy for her.

And given that I myself, had lacked confidence as a women in my 20s and lacked access to opportunities, I recall celebrating her win.

I even tweeted about her. To my followers. In 2015. Her family look lovely.

I didn’t get a reply and I wasn’t expecting one. I was just happy. That’s the nature of Twitter.

But this feeling quickly changed.

After I was contacted by GBBO creators Love Production, about the programme Chronicles Of Nadiya, which was aired in 2016.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b07r272z

I had an extremely distressing experience at the hands of their Production team, who I felt proactively stalked and chased me.  And I felt were disingenuous.

During the early development stage.  Before a reccie trip. I got a call.  From a Love Production producer called Charlotte Armstrong.

On Lovedesh’s Skype landline Phone number.  She left a voice recording. Sadly after Skype was bought by Microsoft – I lost the clip.

I called her back.  Left a message on voicemail.

I recall seeing non stop missed calls. To my handset.

I saw an email arrive.

It was clear to me, neither Ms Kibel nor Ms Hussain did not give a damn about us vulnerable women.

After which, I chose never to follow or have any admiration for Ms Hussain.

Her action was a huge betrayal.  I was crushed and shook. I had no idea that such humans could exist. She looked so nice. So caring. She seemed so genuine.

I then carried on with my life.

In 2016, I had a young teenage daughter to care for.

And as I was already in crisis since 2014.  I focused on surviving.

Aside from my family, many more came to hurt and damage Lovedesh over the years. From having my projects smashed to being bullied, ripped off, betrayed.

I had my moral rights and campaigns even stolen.  I constantly faced structural classism and racism – a wilful refusal to allow me and the vulnerable communities I work for, to be included.   And as I began to then focus my attentions in 2019 to resurrect a dream project to help the victims of Rana Plaza – I found the entire fashion campaigning sector to be unethical and not fit for purpose.  And found my moral rights – yet again infringed by some of the biggest names.

Because put simply, Lovedesh is one of the greatest solutions but also greatest threats.  A new world first hybrid business model.  And should it ever succeed – will prove the business world can pivot towards protecting people and planet.  And making profit.

Love Productions, AK Management and Ms Nadiya Hussain were not my priority.  The other bigger fights –  bigger monsters who were also simultaneously busy destroying Lovedesh too. Was my priority.

And so I walked away. In 2016.

I while I went on and lost many more my “battles”.  So horrific.   With many bad things happened to me and my daughter.

I also chose to build myself up back – so I could one day return and “win the war”.

I took help from charities and business mentors.   They heard my story of how Lovedesh had been destroyed.

So many good souls have helped – none more so than our very own mentor.  All round father and grandfather figure for me and Amber. An elderly white “male pale stale” business mentor whom I nickname call “Gandalf”. Whose 74th birthday is today.  Who has been by my side since I was left homeless in 2015.

And many of whom are now recorded and entered into the Lovedesh Hall of Angels*.  Most of the names have personally helped me and Amber protect people and planet. Without them we could not survive.

• (In case anyone misunderstands why I, the CEO of an ethical luxury fashion brand has listed BGMEA – Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association  – whom we have not had any contact with) are there. It is simply for helping to provide jobs – to the poorest.  ANd to the Rana Plaza Victims. And many more. Because while we all in the Western Hemisphere seek sustainable solutions, we forget that the poorest in their millions need to be fed and be given jobs.  And that job is being done by factory owners – whether we like them or not.  As two of them have told me – they would love to pay  workers more, but are forced to squeeze margins because of fast fashion retailers demands.) 

Slowly. And slowly piece by piece I got my life back.

I would occasionally see Ms Hussain on front covers of magazines or see her trending on Twitter.  One notable moment was when I saw clips of her cooking a cake with members of the Royal British family. All I could think was “that could have been my rural villagers”.

Every time I would see Ms Hussains’s fandom was growing – good souls who simply enjoyed her talents of being a cook, I would catch my breath and feel shook.   Purely for the injustice of it all.  Of having done the work only for white media execs to pass of concept pieces as their own.

I would recall the pain of what GBBO winner Ms Nadiya Hussain, her agent Anne Kibel and the creators of GBBO  had done to Lovedesh and the Bangladeshi rural village women. Of their scant disregard. And the continued irony of having to be told Ms Hussain was on a journey of discovering her own empowerment. But I kept thinking – if that is so, why would she and her representatives show me something different?

I also have often wondered what Ms Hussain’s or GBBO’s most ardent fans would make, if I were to share the truth. And here I am – doing it and ask anyone of you reading “what do you make it of?”.

I have never once contacted Ms Hussain directly nor only any social media platform and chose to stay quiet for years. Until a few months ago – when I began discussing with my small and loyal following of my issues.  And did a Tik Tok video

I suspect what they had really done, was taken my concept, got stuck, and nervous about how to make the trip work given they had stolen my ideas. They wanted me in, to hold Charlotte and her team’s hand. She had called me in, in an attempt to flatter me into coming in, to fix whatever problems they had been having. Without ever considering the fact that I would push back.

Without even thinking that I would push back or even understand infringement of moral rights. Because quite frankly, I think these type of media creatives are used to many talented brown and black people crowing around them and falling under the spell. So much so that they inadvertently give them whatever they need. So grateful to have access to a film company.

And why Lovedesh is working on to fund projects that will protect all small creators.  From having their work stolen.

GBBO creators Love Productions also refused to accept or see me as an expert either. I was told by many in Bangladesh that I was the first British woman to showcase Bangladesh. The first to be flyng out there to do business. As a British born.

And of course the entire press angle was about how Ms Hussain was exploring her heritage. And to talk about its rich traditions and rituals. And instead, they platformed Ms Hussain, as being the one who thought of and is seen doing this, for Bangladesh.

Not true. It was all white media execs.

The public were mislead.

What they failed to mention is all of them were able to do so – by trampling all over me and rural villagers. And that it was not their idea – but one they stole from me – as all my entire content was about me exploring my heritage. And capturing the wonder of it all.

I think they thought, because it was GBBO, I would be flattered.  I was not.  I realised also that perhaps, they’ve never been pushed back before. And why she was shocked in the call.  At my response – as I treat everyone the same.

They must’ve thought I was a stupid desperate ego tripping woman. Who is not clued up and would probably succumb to their their little ego trip tactic, in feeling so grateful, that a white production company, who had made a huge television, would be grateful for their attention.

I felt like telling them to “stop”.

They did not realise I was 46. A Gen X. A child of the 1970s. I grew up in horrific racism and have spent the first 12 years, of my life – being beaten.  Called a “Paki” For my skin colour. At school.

After my experience in a the racist world of acting, and working for the Liberal Democrats, I began to spot disingenuous “breathy” white liberal women. And I can categorically say that these women have hurt me more than those racists who beat me up.

The worst are the ones who claim they really care. Will shout “Black Lives Matters”, cry over the tragedy of poverty in India, the British Raj, happily date black and brown men – but then when coming across empowered WOC – will slither away into silence.  After having been found to trample over us.

Or break into tears when confronted.  Because they know and we woc – know – they got found out. They are as racist as the racists – but the only difference is, they get angry when confronted.

Every idea and request, which I put in, insisting that Lovedesh in some way is credited, was rejected.

I recall suggesting that this would be a great opportunity, to showcase some of the sustainable fashion and food work. I was doing.  With weavers and villagers I also told them in writing, that they need not even mention me or feature me but if they could just credit the work of at least the village women. As I am someone who has gone without access to funding and platform, I am used to it.

I suggested that the clever bright rural village women, could talk at length about their joy, in working with an organisation, that was helping to train and mentor and boost their skills. Who had a wicked sense of humour but also lack career confidence and that it was similar to Ms Hussain, I thought it was a perfect match, and that it would make charming screen moment.  I said it would be great to have my cohort of rural villagers, with their wicked sense of humour, teaching Ms Hussain how to cook.  To let them run the show for a bit – and to show how they were boss women.

But there was no interest.  I don’t think they welcome the idea that rule village woman could be seen to be having greater screen presence, then perhaps the new “cash cow” they were choosing to invest in.  And of course this is why, to date, we have never had international programs being fronted by such communities, because to do so would be giving me and them a seat at the table, and a chance to grab immediate profile and power.

Because very quickly, this white female producer surmised that I was talented, had undertaken huge work all alone, and perhaps may overshadow the program by bringing in big strong larger than life characters.

I was that perhaps they thought their investment in Nadiya Hussain would therefore be in danger. Is what one TV producer once told me.  Although as the same person then explained, a good Producer would’ve seen the merit of banking two potential emerging talent.  Of putting the show’s editorial remit first.

Can you imagine if they had said yes?

Can you imagine how many people Lovedesh could’ve rescued and how many more could’ve gotten jobs. And how much more incomes we could’ve boosted?

But of course I now see GBBO Love Productions was not created that way. They make quick and easy formats and in the past have been responsible for shaming poorest communities in the UK with awful programmes such as young teenage mothers.  And many more.

Notice how the chose the image of this programme. Why are they showing a black man – it only serves to reinforce the false narrative that black men are bad fathers.

But worst of all of course, are the village women who have since died. Like Saya Bu. More about her and the women later. And all the ones poised to be helped by Lovedesh – listed in the Lovedesh Hall Of Happiness.

A profile of all the money past present and future individuals and organisations and courses that I and my daughter came especially about.

I also realised, Charlotte misled me. As she told me that there was no possibility whatsoever, of ever featuring or mentioning Lovedesh, given that BBC editorial guidelines did not allow this.

Top Gears reviews car brands.  Cooking programmes feature products. And I found this link that states as follows.

https://www.bbc.com/editorialguidelines/guidelines/independence-from-external-interests/guidelines

Product Prominence

14.3.1 We need to be able to reflect the real world and this will involve referring to products and services in our output. A product can include references to organisations, to people, such as artists or performers, or to artistic works, such as films, books or musical tracks.

I note this individual Charlotte Armstrong has remained employed. It appears she has hidden her profile now.  And why she is being coy of the fact she is employed by Love Productions – given we can guess it is that same company, she has been there for10 years. Is odd.

But I think that’s because after I tweeted them, she went into hiding.

As when I search her on Linked In – this is what I see.

They have also removed all photos.

Nor is she on Love Productions’ website anymore.

https://www.loveproductions.co.uk/people

I hope she is ok.

I did note she is speaking on the company’s behalf at this event in 2020.  And should Miss Armstrong read this, we wish her no harm. But I hope she understands, and learns from this.  And we invite her, and the rest of the senior management team at Love Productions, as well as Miss Hussain and AK Management to attend the Lovedesh Academy training workshops that I will be opening.

https://banffmediafestival.playbackonline.ca/2020/speakers/950232/charlottearmstrong/

I now want to move towards evidence of my expertise. And just some of the types of videos, I know they would’ve pored over.  As not once did they ever deny it.

You see, I had started to go out to Bangladesh and had been taught by rural villagers since 2008.  Learning Wood fired cooking.  And more.  Much more. And all of it came from my pocket, as a single working mother. He was raising her child all alone.

I would scrimp and save up.  To got to Bangladesh for field research.  Stay in horrid lodgings.  And often having to endure such horror – all alone. As a business woman doing it all on her own. Which was unheard of in Bangladesh.  As without a man, a woman is deemed as having no status. And morally loose.

In spite of all these slurs, I continue to do my work relentlessly. On and on, iCloud on, exploring the root causes of poverty and trying to find and create pioneering solutions.

Eg – I posted this video on 14 August 2013.

After I took it to the Mortimer Country Fair and more. And the video was uploaded 8 years ago.

A blog was written by Spice Scribe in May 2013.

Bashing and burning – A brilliant Bangladeshi cook-up

In 2014 I did the impossible. I managed to invite the Guardian Newspaper to visit and they published a massive centrefold piece on Bangladesh in the summer.

I had also begun to win awards.  I hadn’t even launched my products. And invited to speak.

The media seemed so excited.

I recall going in to see The Sun travel editor – to persuade them to visit Bangladesh. I received interest from lovely actor Nigel Planer, who having seen the Guardian article, wanted to visit Bangladesh for the Mail on Sunday.  And wanted me to escort him out there.

And by 2015, I had Kew Gardens, wanting to bring my curry to their spice festival in the summer.

There was so much love and respect for the work that I was doing. All of it, that showed a deep level of respect and understanding from good white people.

And slowly I began to get the people of Bangladesh behind me.

I did an event in Oxfordshire.  In June 2014.

In 2014, I was able to take my sustainable cooking dishes to an event in Oxfordshire.

The local newspaper did a review. Here is an expert that shows the painstaking efforts I took, to replicate the true authentic version of a curry.

OXFORD MAIL June 2014

https://www.oxfordmail.co.uk/leisure/food/reviews/11332074.print/

It was reviewed. And on 10 July 2014, this was printed.

“Having herself rediscovered her family’s Asian roots, Yasmin is eager to promote a more optimistic view of poor countries and encourage us, for instance, to take holidays in them. The vehicle for her promotional spiel — performed here, most entertainingly, for the first time — is a cookery demonstration.

“The dish she produces is not, I’d imagine, one we would be likely to try ourselves at home, being a traditional Bangladeshi chicken curry, cooked slowly over wood. We watched the whole process from the lighting and fanning of the fire, through the grinding of the cumin, coriander seeds, cardamom and the like on a granite slab, to the careful cooking of the aromatic mixture in a pan suspended over the flames.”

 

I then set about helping to bring more people in Bangladesh,   To back me.

Here is a link below captured by a national Bangladeshi TV station. May 2015.

I have reams and reams of videos.

Of me working with street food snacks stalls.

Often of my young daughter as well.

And that is why I am so angry, as they denied the opportunity, for my young child, who was a social entrepreneur from the age of seven, opportunity to be platformed. Or at least be credited along with all the other folks who deserved to be featured. Including some of the women here.

Here is my daughter. Present. In a chinwag with the rural folks. On 1 June 2014.

SAYA BU – RIP

The lady in a green sari, that you see using the iPad to play Talking Tom, has since died. It has been a few years now.

Her name was “Saya Bu”.

Saya Bu deserved better.  From Ms Hussain, from Anne Kibel and from GBBO’s Love Productions.

I recall her crying and saying to me, all she ever wanted was her own house. As she didn’t want to live with her relatives anymore. She was feisty and funny.  I had promise her, that if we manage it, I will try and build her little house, so that she could stay there, until the day she died.

And in return, she could perhaps guard over the fields of vegetables that have been converted from paddy fields. All of which were designed to boost the mental health of local villagers. Destitute and alone and in need of company. They loved it. She loved it.

And I recall her loping away with a big fat grin on her face.  The next time I heard from her she was crying that she had a really bad toothache. I managed to sort it out. She was so happy. She had such a wicked sense of humour. I wish you could’ve gotten to meet her. ;(

She had helped look after my father and his family while she was a little girl. So when any of you are starting to feel uncomfortable, because I’ve managed to challenge your “golden goose”, I ask you to repeat after me.

As did this lady and many more.

I now want you to meet the mother of a girl called Mina. Sick and ill now. But such an expert cook.

At a very young age she was married off to a disabled man. And over the years she has struggled.

Then in December 2015, I was contacted to say that I’ve been nominated for the Entrepreneur Of The Year at the National British Muslim awards. And in January 2016, I went on to win it.

Hence, given that I share and write in length – to ask you stop the erasure of the work done by creators and thought leaders who are women of colour. I hope you can now see the correlation between my work and the content that is featured in BBC1’s Chronicles Of Nadiya.

I know they tell us to get used to it. And I don’t think I’ve minded in the past when my work has been copied but, given that we’re dealing with people who know about the work being done. The communities I’m trying to help, I think that’s where it really cuts to the bone.

I know I’m not the first.

And I will not be the last.

Unless something changes drastically. Which I hope it will. And as my story emerges, it is another reason why I am going public. In order to try and collect more horror stories within the white media sector.  And to see if there can be a drastic change in how the work of small, underfunded creators, is protected.

Otherwise how many more such media companies will continue to exploit unknown small creators.  And perhaps yes, a younger me would’ve excitedly gone in and offered to help.  That’s because, I was clueless. I come from a first-generation immigrant family. Where the BBC is revered.

I’d also begun to understand how structural racism worked and the white saviour complex. And that media, politics, arts and many other liberal sectors, are often riddled with the most racist classist individuals.  Who don’t realise how prejudiced they are, because of the way they fawn over the trauma and vulnerabilities of those who are from marginalised and broke backgrounds.

They seem to get a kick out of “poverty porn”.  And “trauma porn”.

And will often pick those WOC, who are lacking in confidence.  Because I think it contributes to their own narrative and need of feeding their power base in their minds. To help remind them that perhaps us brown or black women, are incapable of being our own empowered self, without ever needing the contribution of white people.

But it also points to the basic morality of how media execs snap up new talent as money making machines. And given that Ms Hussain had just won GBBO, of course, many would have surrounded her and snapped her up, to secure future income stream.  And I do worry as to whether she got the right guidance and advice. And to understand how to manage relationships in the entertainment world. And not to take everyone at face value.

Her agent and Love Productions would’ve seen cash signs in their eyes.  By scrambling to get this program done, where has this left all of them? What really was gained apart from money? And that’s great but not at the expense of Lovedesh and certainly not at the expense of those who are poor.  I would love an investigation for them all to understand what was lost here.

And of course later down the line, I then learnt of the big big dispute when BBC broke away – it was reported Love Productions had insisted on more money.  And was arguing over concept of copyright.

And why I can say it is a correct opinion to state that Love Production and its founders are “greedy” and unethical. It beggars belief.

Even after I complained  –  they had the audacity to instruct lawyers on me.

I still tried to think positively.  And at no point have I proactively sought to pursue them financially. After the last message sent by their external lawyer in September 2016.

I wanted to keep thinking perhaps Ms Hussain was naive. I came up with all sorts of excuses. She was new. A mother who came from a very traditional background,  I could imagine that Ms Hussain would have just been grateful to have an army ready to represent her interests. And was herself a victim. And that she was not from the private sector.  I don’t know what her father is like, but I do know that my father trained me to fight back. And that a lot of women of colour from south Asian heritage don’t necessarily always get this.

And while I was sitting worrying about her, trying to look after her well-being, I now realise, not one moment probably passed, where at least one of them, felt some form of guilt. Or at least shame.

The media machine is constantly churning out articles after articles of Ms Nadiya Hussain under attacked, bullied and suffering. And then attempting to demonstrate that she is all rather naive and not as savvy.  And she cares about people.  And of how authentic she has remained .

But I could not believe it.  I do not think she is.  Or ever was.

As I have stated, I complained to Nadiya Hussain and asked to meet her – via her agent Anne Kibel. I was declined. I was so shocked when her agent wrote in an email that they fully support the actions of Love Productions. And as I have mentioned.  I possess this email.

Now given that my life was under existential huge threat – when Charlotte had called me.  I had told  their senior MGT of my background.  And of the hardship WOC face. From our own community. It is why – I am most upset.

I sincerely thought that by getting involved with such a major programme, it might help change Lovedesh’s fortune, and help me resurrect and rescue the damaged projects.

I explained to Charlotte, that I was not like Ms Hussain. I did not come from a loving family and I had no partner. And that while I appreciated her anxiety and lack of confidence was a huge televised moment, I was unable to relate to this individual.

Because to me Ms Hussain seemed suddenly very privileged.  Given she was being flown out, to front of programme, when she had no knowledge or expertise on Bangladesh.  And was being showboated as someone who has knowledge and expertise of the Bangladeshi culture.

Anyhow. After I was left with evidence of unethical conduct.  And a wilful attempt to erase and steal the work I had been doing, I had to cease complaining.  As my memoirs will prove, and I have already recounted, I was fighting on all fronts. Including my evil family – who had trashed my charity and more.

While my family went on to destroy my Lovedesh projects and charity in April 2015.  Every penny was spent on helping those they threatening.  And why it was very important that I get paid and get credited.

So when Love Productions got lawyers in  – I simply had no money for even legal fees.

I fell so ill. Sick.

My daughter and I had already became hidden homeless. When Love Productions had called, I was in temporary accommodation. In July 2015. In January 2014, things were so bad, charities relocated my daughter, in order to keep us safe, as a consequence of the threats and abuse I was getting for undertaking work I was doing all alone, to help protected people and planet.

And so finally I got so ill. I had to put this dispute on the back burner.   I had no energy. I had to focus on staying alive.

Now. In 2021, I am stronger.

I will not let this go.

I will not rest until the wrong done to me and to Lovedesh and to all the villagers, weavers, garment workers, victims of Rana Plaza., Disabled Rickshaw drivers is put right.

I have a small loyal army of followers. And hopefully Lovedesh will explode into the mainstream I hope. As there are a few courageous investigative journalists trying to break my story.

And the world will learn of the various corrupt, horrid and bullying conduct of those,  who seek to harm those of us who undertake authentic work in protecting people and planet. And of the horrific structural racism, that I, a WOC have suffered at the hands of not just white execs in media. But also from Misogynoir (when brown and black women suffer hatred and oppression from men in their own community) and more.

Just take a look at this man.

This is just one of a handful a woman like me has to cope wit

The sheer hatred and often mocking that comes with attempting to have a global vision, a dream.

I attempted to do a petition but then of course, I soon found I had a stalker this year. And then on and on it goes.

https://www.change.org/p/help-yasmin-her-followers-stop-cyberbullying

And I’m sitting here, constantly wondering, at how those who came across Lovedesh, had they just given us a a little lift up, I wonder where we would be now?  I wonder if any of the people who died, would be alive today? Of course I’m going to go there with my thoughts.

STRUCTURAL RACISM/CLASSISM 

I ask you to withdraw/ssupend all programmes featuring Ms Hussain, AK Management & GBBO Creator Love Productions, on the basis of preventing harm to us WOC creators. And thought leaders. And understand that there is a crisis in media and entertainment.

Or at the very least, you try and speak to your talent. And to all her representatives. And to demand to get answers.

I really don’t want to have to hear of “nice” Ms Hussain is.  This is a simple issue of right and wrong. And even the nicest people have been known to get it completely wrong.

Much of the reason why I have not wanted to take action against Miss Hussain immediately, is because I am also a fellow Muslim. And I know, that her entering mainstream society, is helping those in in the Muslim community, to be welcomed – given the rise of Islamaphobia.

But then I realised, this is not a benefit that should be gained, at the expense of vulnerable and the poor.  Also it is misleading.  Because, I’ve become to see, a myriad of hijab clad women of colour, black folks being propelled into mainstream society.  But the reality is, behind them all, is an army of white privileged media executives.

I feel that Nadiya from the start has been used by white media executives in what I am calling  “a brown decoy”.  At other times I called “Pick Me Browns” as well as “Banjo Browns”

There is a chapter about this in my memoir.

Which when it is published, will explain this thought leadership in more detail. But I used to feel sadness, tragedy and pity for those of my brown and black brothers and sisters, who begin to dance to the tune of white racist people, who clearly hide behind them.  Using them as puppets to continue to enable structural racism to flourish.

And when I talk about this I am talking specifically about Love Productions and Anne Kibel.

I’ve come across their types many times.

Ms Hussain has, in my humble opinion become just one of many, who are being capitalised on an image as a empowered Hijab Muslim, a woman of colour.  But sadly the reality is that it was done solely in order to provide new income streams as a  POC talent, whose populism they banked, in cash coins,  while they also simultaneously enable structural racism white saviour complex and colonialist attitudes to flourish.

What this means is that not much of fighting structural racism has changed. It’s performative action.  It is in fact extremely insidious as I have noticed that those who are being promoted and propelled to the front of mainstream society, are often brown and black women who behave well.  Non threatening.  And quite simply do as they are told.  And often they are quite happy to enable and allow white media executives to trample over members in their own community.

Which is the ultimate horrific betrayal.

I’m sorry but not on my watch.

THE AMERICAN CASE STUDY

I was getting upset. As it was not the first time either I had such experience. I was getting so many requests from white media creatives wanting access to Bangladesh and wanting me to help without paying for it.

I recall a hideous American couple, back in 2013, who told me that they had a connection to Oprah Winfrey.

I was so excited as I love Oprah Winfrey. She was a huge role model.

The boyfriend came to my house, I made him tea and snacks and even gave him a sample of the Lovedesh sustainable fashion bracelet to give to Oprah Winfrey.  If she ever reads it – I doubt it got to her. And I hope she bans anyone using her name, in an attempt to get us unknowns from being used and discarded.

When he then told me that they wanted to find out how they could go in disguise, and go and capture footage of garment workers in Rana Plaza, Bangladesh. I wanted to vomit.  He was so awkward. He was in my mothers front living room. I was looking at all the effort I had made.

And as he sat there looking at me expectantly.

I categorically refused.

“Ummm no. Definately not.” I exclaimed.

There was a long pain and awkward silence.

I told him I had no intention of breaking filming protocol laid down by the Bangladeshi Government.

Because broadcasting foreign programmes required relevant visas etc.   I also said I certainly was not going to put any garment worker at risk, by having them interviewed by two random Americans.   As I began to notice the proliferation of fashion campaigning charities and many more doing the same, and then running off and leaving the garment workers at risk.  And the sheer racism and white saviour complex in action.

Again there is a huge campaign I am undertaking to change this.   Called #ShutUpForRanaPlaza. That is seeking to topple the current incumbent Fashion Revolution, led by two white women, who of course, have chosen to erase the trauma of dead Rana Plaza garment workers.  By calling the very anniversary week, in which 1,136 garment workers in Bangladesh died, after their own organisation. I kid you not.

Everyone applauds it. Everyone is involved. Everyone is complicit. And everyone is white.

And every year, since 2013, the entire week of April, is in the hands of white people, gathering in panels at which, only after the death of George Floyd, they chuck now a few seats at the table to people of colour – in order to be seen to be inclusive.  And of course what can black and brown people do, but take whatever is given. Because to do otherwise, still requires white peoples permission.

Until of course, I came along. The only woman of colour, of Bangladeshi heritage, who swivelled my head and began to scrutinise it. And say “STOP!”.

And in doing so, of course they have either erupted in full white fragility. Or ghosting me.  Interesting that the colour attached to both of these conditions is “white”.

And I’m very proud to say that I’m also in a huge dispute with the black author of her book – “Consumed”, Aja Barber.  Who has styled herself as a fashion campaigner and champion of workers rights yet when I explained to her that the Rana Plaza. victims were very unhappy and could you look at the evidence, she instead blocked me on Instagram. Refused to listen. And instead has been seem to be defending and helping to platform a white female cohorts in the fashion campaigning sector

But this American man sitting in my mother’s lounge. Drinking my tea was staring and looking shocked.

I told him I was a business owner.  And that I myself was tired of the way the Bangladeshi government and its people are always blamed especially in light of the Rana Plaza. factory collapse. And why I had even done a video about it. Filmed on 4 July 2013.

And of how as much as I admired President Obama, he was wrong to suspend tax breaks on Bangladesh.

https://vimeo.com/7106093

Why Lovedesh™? from Yasmin Choudhury on Vimeo.

I told him it was really insulting and I also stated that any work with me, would mean I undertake an ethical audit, as it’s not okay to shove cameras in the faces of the most destitute.  I also asked him is this how they would perhaps treat, traumatised victims of tragedies in the USA.  And why is it that they only ever wanted to showcase the misery and the trauma. Given that there was so much of it, being done by international aid agencies who are forever exercising “poverty porn” projects.

I recall seeing his Adams apple bobbing up and down and gulping as I don’t think he’d ever been addressed in such a manner.  It saw the same expectation and entitlement in his voice that I heard in Charlotte’s voice.

The fact that they’ve never been challenged in this way. The fact that by mentioning a celebrity, somehow I would fall to my knees. And claw in desperation to run alongside them both, offering them free help, as they began their sweatier sent to the higher echelons of the documentary, tv and filmmaking world – was insulting.

Of course I never heard from him ever again.  And of course I never heard from Oprah Winfrey 🙂

There is much more. Of such horrid white liberal media people. So much more that one day I really think,  I should definitely do the entire scene. As a short play.

RADIO TIMES

I am further incandescent with unhappiness at seeing a Radio Times article.

https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/entertainment/reality-tv/great-british-bake-off-nadiya-hussain-big-rt-interview/

Since asking Ms Hussain and her agent to do the right thing, they do not.

On 21 September 2021, even did a Tik Tok video and tagged her agent on Twitter. It is already in the public domain – and yet they have ghosted me. Sheer silence.

I appreciate that perhaps this is not the usual behaviour of corporate professionals. But do excuse me. I couldn’t help but be tongue in cheek.  And I think I have been pretty patient. I’m not sure anyone else would’ve endured the way I have had.  In the 1980s, Bob Geldof was celebrated for approaching Margaret Thatcher and shouting about the plight of the Ethiopians.

But when it comes to brown or black women, we have to contain yourself. We have to think 50 times over, before we express our discontent. Even though we are the victims and even though we are the innocent.

My #GBBO scandal.

Yo @LoveProductions + @AKAManagement – remember me? ❤️ I remember you. Imma coming to collect. Tsk tsk. So naughty.

I hope BBC (@Channel4) look at the history of your conduct. And change editorial policy. What was done to my @LovedeshScout was horrendous pic.twitter.com/bFT0HrGysp

— Yasmin A. Choudhury FRSA (@yasminisyasmin) September 21, 2021

Again I was ghosted.

Such is their power.  And how and why nobody mentions it – is testimony to some form of unhealthy cultdom

Now, she is the front cover of this Radio Times and an article has been published in November 2021, where yet again Ms Hussain is pictured gushing how she suddenly wants to be a role model for women of her own colour.

She is claiming to care about brown woman.  And why many hearing this are calling her “liar” – not my words but those who hear my story on social media.

Richmond & Twickenham Times reported as follows. On 2 November 2021.

https://www.richmondandtwickenhamtimes.co.uk/leisure/national/19687556.bake-offs-nadiya-hussain-says-work-still-done-on-screen-diversity/

The Great British Bake Off winner Nadiya Hussain said the responsibility of representing her community on TV “does weigh heavy on me” 

“The British-Bangladeshi chef and cookery book author, who won the baking show in 2015, said she considered her career to be “much more than just working in publishing and television”.

Hussain, 36, told the Radio Times: “I have a responsibility to people who relate to me. People of colour. Muslims. Women. Stay-at-home mums. You name it. All of those.

She is not.

This is not true.

I’m sorry but I could not help but think of my dead cousin as well as many other rural villages. Who have died.

I now believe Ms Hussain is doing this to detract from the dispute, which we told her agent would become public – if they did not stop.

COMPLAINT RE FAST FLAVOURS 

“Fast Flavours” is now the second time I have caught this individual taking concept ideas, that Lovedesh has been creating since 2008.

I note that Nadiya is now using a cooking method that doesn’t follow recipe. I’ve been doing this since 2008 and often call it “Willy Wonka”.

I’m well known for never following recipes especially because I have an invisible disability.

Many of my cooking videos are on TikTok. Under the hashtag #yasminisyasmincookingasmr. Or under cooking.

And while there are many who I’m sure, have done this.  I think it is reasonable to expect, that given I am in possession of how they trawled over my website – they did it again.  Again I have no rights. On this I have no evidence. But I do know this much, white media executives are the ones researching new angles.

Celebrity bakers and chefs  have an entire team at their disposal, via production companies.  Who are busy hunting the next holy grail for program making. And the only ones I see often suffering, our original creators.   Whose specific role is job is to brainstorm programmes for influencers and talent to front.    We see it over and over again, poor unknown creators having their ideas ripped off. By those with bigger budgets and bigger teams. Be it books,  fashion, art etc.

PAST PRECEDENTS 

However, I also sat down in work today, as I’m starting to see a slight change in the direction of the wind. Towards a culture that is seeking to be more authentic.  Purely because audiences will now react quickly and viscerally.  If they see something they do not like. Program making is no longer the preserve of those who can be dodgy and get away with it.  Especially if they are privileged and white.

Today, post-pandemic, the world and the media sector is in a very different place. Especially after the death of George Floyd.

The merest whiff of cultural appropriation and racism is getting many who are well known and deemed to be “cool” cancelled.

People do not like it when every day citizens are trampled over.  This is most notable with Travis Scott and his Astroworld concert.

Most of all, we are beginning to see the rise of greater transparency. And further measures being taken to ensure ethics and integrity are upheld, in the media and entertainment world

Candice Braithwaite, Author, Journalist, TV Presenter

For example – there was Candice Braithwaite’s story.

Of some on social media claiming that she had been allegedly being “dropped” from presenting a programme. When in fact it she later clarified it was another program she was due to have presented, was not picked.

And instead a different one was commissioned which platformed Rochelle Humes, as the presenter.  She was a singer in a S Club Junior.  And The Saturdays.

Of course Ms Braithwaite was utterly noble. It seemed the programme wanted to just interview her. She was very clear, she wanted to be a co-presenter. Of course – it was declined. As they chose not to platform an expert as a co-presenter.

And I found it sad and telling. As Ms Braithwaite wrote this:

“I don;’t want my trauma to be mined for a show I have no control of the narrative.”

Rochelle Humes ‘didn’t replace Candice Brathwaite’ in Black women childbirth documentary, Channel 4 states

But notice how a black woman’s original thought leadership is taken, and white people begin to make a program and then they get to decide, who should present it. Which as we know, is access to platform and privilege. And by choosing a light-skinned black woman, and claiming that they wish for Rochelle Hulmes (whom I do not blame whatsoever), to show the element of surprise (odd) – is what happens to woc thought leaders.

I also noticed – how all the media coverage – was later issued with a certain angle.  Of how shocked Ms Humes was.  Almost as if to prove the point –  ‘look we sent in Rochelle and yes – she was shocked”

Yet it is funny is it not – that we have white male or female presenters. Who are the experts.  Be it in arts and history, science presenting on their expert  topics.  Eg Brian Cox to impart knowledge on science.  Andrew Graham Dixon who presents The Culture Show. Or there was the late Wendy Beckett Nun and Art Historian.

Or Simon Reeve – who is even seen visiting Bangladesh. A great chap. All of whom I think are fab.

All of the presenters I adore.  But I hope you see the point I am making whenever a woc is a thought leader.  We are not welcomed.  We are not supported.  In the same way – and even if we are not supported – our original ideas taken and used to profile and platform others.

Now let us turn to the world of cooking. And Plagiarism.   In 2021.

MasterChef Contestant Elizabeth Haigh’s book “Makan”

We already have a recent major scandal at the heart of the publishing sector. The story of MasterChef Contestant Elizabeth Haigh’s book “Makan” was pulled after suggestions these were “copied or paraphrased”  who got a book cancelled after complaint of plagiarism. By author Sharon Wee.

https://www.theguardian.com/books/2021/oct/11/former-masterchef-contestants-book-pulled-amid-plagiarism-accusations

I am aware there are limitations to conception.

That is because the current law is not fit for purpose.

But there is also now no limitation to transparency.

And accountability.  Proving culpability is easy due to the digital transformation in enabling to capture evidence of original work.

Back in 2016 when I was submitting my dispute and complaint, I imagine neither Ms Hussein, Ms Anne Kibel and Love Productions, could’ve thought that I would’ve saved every piece of evidence. And that today, thanks to social platforms, live streaming, historical evidence, can quickly gain traction.

As while appropriation continues, there are now dedicated website – that pillory and expose the fakes. Take for example Diet Prada – it does for fashion what fashion refuses to do it for itself. And social media accounts that pillory horrid people.

Or take   Shaiie Foeva –

Who just tells it as it is.

So while tech enables many to rip off ideas within minutes it also gives protection.  Many original creators like me, who lack funding, resource, platform, privilege and protection, and often are compelled into sharing Ideas of our thought leadership and content into the public domain. In order to show traction and viability to decision makers.  I am glad we have the ability to expose.

To very quickly find who the creators of this program.  And I am often thinking now, of those original creators, who would’ve been ripped off and hurt, prior to the Internet revolution.

The ones who would’ve probably died from depression, or from lost income or just whenever recognised.

And so I return again to my personal thought leadership as to why I am due to talk about the emergence of a new noir horror.  “Pick Me Browns”, “Banjo Browns” or “Decoy Browns” – in the game of rich and greedy – staying rich and greedy.

And how women of colour such as Ms Hussain, are  sadly perhaps being used as decoys by structurally rich and racist white individuals within privileged sectors – to create new income streams while also rushing to be seen as diverse and inclusive.

I ask you to help us stop it.

I feel the evidence will show this woman and the people who represent her, are unethical and disingenuous and are not only trampling over our moral rights. But also her and her team have been damaging the well-being and interest of poor villages, cooks and garment workers of Bangladesh.

Many of them have died and now I’ve come to collect.  As I and they are furious.

MY MEMOIRS 

I reserve the right to go public.

It has been five years.

All of this has to emerge. And I have evidence that at no point have I ever wanted this to be made public.

I already possess a social media audience of 25K, and an audience on TikTok, who follow us and hack been shown the evidence. And have urged me to fight back.

I will not back down until I see Ms Hussain cancelled or, all involved parties put right the wrong done.

Having to publish evidence is core to the mantra of Lovedesh.  I also have made a public promised to protect people and planet.  And I always tell anyone in human rights work, international development or the fight to prevent climate change, this is what protecting pope and planet looks like.

Unless you challenge ethics and speak up on the truth of the ascendency of those, who do not put people and planet first.  Who seem to have one face for the public but behind the scenes have another completely different agenda.

Let me show you what I mean.

As it is in the public interest to do so.  As I feel the British public unfortunately are being fleeced, based on the idea that Ms Hussain is an ethical family woman.

Not true.

Much of her profile is built on her being passionate about family, and her story of finding empowerment.

For example, she has done children’s book on “inner strength”. I myself and my mother, and there is no way I would ever buy a book, authored by someone who hurt the very poorest in Bangladesh.

I note that in her website. This what she proclaims of her family values.

This is contrary to our experience of her.

No good family woman I know of, has behaved the way she has – or ever would. I know as they told me.

And while she dares to have been benefiting from huge amounts of income, that helps generate more than a healthy disposable income, we know, she did so at the expense of Lovedesh.  Without revealing the horrific tragedy and trauma in depriving and damaging the work that Lovedesh has been doing.

I was further shocked to see just how aloof she truly is.  She publicly claims on her website she cannot help with any charity requests – as she is already an ambassador for Starlight Children’s Foundation and WaterAid. This screenshot is from today.

Really. She cannot give away one book?

Even once a year?

Really?!!! She does not allow anyone to solicit her for charity work? I note also that there is no attachment to any projects for Bangladesh.  And when you look at this, and all the other evidence in this post, serious warning bells are ringing for me.

I don’t even expect Love Productions would have done an audit and checked if modern day slavery was involved in the Bangladesh film crew field costs. When they called me they told me they had hired a fixer and I recall telling them, to involve me, in order to ensure the well-being of production stuff in the ground. Given I was fluent in the language.

They declined.

We are now going to seek to ask Love Productions to show us what, if any charity Money was given to Bangladeshi people.  And whether staff out there for Chronicles of Nadiya were paid living wages or were exploited financially.   Be it the rigger to the tea boy – because I know how Bangladesh works. I am an expert.  And the only Brit who has been working out there at grassroots

This is simply more proof of entitled conduct. I know how charities work – they would roll out the red carpet and the fact she has publicly refused to even listen to any charity requests – given what she had done to Lovedesh, is terrible!

I will further be writing to both these charities – to ask they remove her. As well as all her sponsors including Next.  The tragic irony is that her heritage is from Bangladesh, which is already famous for the plight of garment workers. She then rushes to take money from a fast fashion retailer, is shocking.

Of course I tweeted Telegraph about this.

All brands often complicit in fast fashion. The fact that she is ignorant of Bangladeshi garment workers being exploited by fast fashion is a pity. And reminds me why I need to write to Nadiya Hussain to say #EnoughIsEnough

— Yasmin A. Choudhury FRSA (@yasminisyasmin) May 22, 2021

I then see that she is using her mental health to continue to paint herself as vulnerable. In a Gaby Roslin interview.  I have no reason to disbelieve her. But it is most odd – she does not seem to feel at all accountable for the damage she and her representatives have done to my mental health.  I am disabled.  As are victims of Rana Plaza.

https://www.express.co.uk/life-style/health/1520134/nadiya-hussain-health-mental-health-problems-anxiety

All my evidence is due to be published by 25 November 2021. On the Lovedesh website.

As part of my vlog memoirs Lovedesh 10+ Files. Which will help promote International Day For Elimination Of Violence Against Women And Girls.

Hence.  My story and interaction with this talent and GBBO, also forms part of an emerging campaign called #JusticeForYasmin.

As it relates to those named in the Lovedesh Hall of Horrors.   A list of those who have pro-actively prevented, damaged or hurt the work being done to protect people and planet. On the list is Nadiya Hussain.

And before I can even get angry with anyone, my anger is first and foremost reserved for my own blood family.

And why I have become pretty desensitised at what others do, because after having to witness and endure the horror of seeing my own blood behave in a way, that tramples and harms people and planet, as to some extent made me able to withstand extreme violent bouts of stress.

And why I think it is relevant to share my family issues, given that all of this had happened, when the approach was made by Love Productions, after having admitted Lovedesh’s website had been reviewed.

 MY FAMILY ISSUES  (VERY LONG ISSUE)

In April 2015 – my own blood family ordered the destruction of all charity & Lovedesh projects. All of which is documented with relevant authorities – be it High Commission of Bangladesh in London, UK to press and media or City Police in Sylhet, Bangladesh.  And it was while I was reeling from the aftermath of this and of having been made homeless during the summer of 2015, I recall life getting better for me as 2016 started.

I won entrepreneur of the year the National British Muslim awards in January 2016. And by February 2016, Love Productions had contacted me about a BBC programme that they were making.  I was really happy as in spite of all my hardship, it’s often nice to just get recognised and not to have to battle, in being able to do or talk about the work that I’m so passionate about.

You see I chose to be a different type of woman. To that of my sisters and too many of the women in my family and my own British Bangladeshi community both in London and back in Sylhet, Bangladesh.

In 1970, 51 years ago I was raised above a London curry house.

My strict Muslim beloved father was also staunch feminist.  A father of four girls and one son (bad bad bad in my community – as sons are key to success in the eyes of this backward tribal community).

He did the one thing that no one else was doing within his tribal community. He chose to educate every single one of his daughters.

And informed us that marriage was not just the single most important aspect of our adult life.  But that being a good Muslim, protecting people and planet and having a career, so we can always be independent, was.

The charity I set up, in 2010, called Amcariza Foundation is named after him – as his initial AMC stands for Al-Haj Abdul Muquith Choudhury.  His mother, my grandmother  – was a widow, and called Ariza.  She was left with 15 children over half of whom I suspect were under 10, when her husband died.  I thought this charity would be an apt and fitting tribute.

I am currently writing a script inspired by his life story – as it breaks my heart. How the world rarely hears the stories of the broken lives of first generation brown male immigrants from South Asia.  And their own suffering of having to conform to rigid standards of male and white societal behaviour. Often they remain parodied or demeaned to this day.

And while my father and I never saw eye to eye over religion, it was only when I became a mother, I understood his legacy.  Growing up as a young brown dark skinned Muslim teenager in the 1980s, desperately wanting to fit into white society, I often saw him as a joke and an embarrassment. But that was because White Society narrative taught me that brown father figures like mine had little value.  As all we heard were shocking stories of poor girls and women being killed by their own.  Today, when I do my live streams on TikTok, and often my followers, many of whom are young people, love to listen to the tales of my father, I’m just so sad he’s not alive to see the admiration and respect afforded to him today, in 2021.,

From a new generation, that is astonished to hear the amount of input he had in fashioning me come on my ethics and my values. There was no smart phone, there was no film streaming platforms. It was just father and daughter conversation.

Sadly – I eventually chose to have had a mixed race child in secret and without telling him. I was so afraid as I was told he would have heart attack, if he found out. I kept my daughter hidden.  Not true – he told me later that his greatest grief was that I never turned to him – first.

And why before he died – we were not speaking. But he loved my child and did all he could for her while she was alive

It was only after he died, when I wept and realised, he was the single most ethical and influential man ever to have graced this world.   He died utterly brokenhearted, very alone. Cheated and betrayed. By all.

None of his brilliant plans had come to fruition.  And he left the world as he had arrived, crying.

And why am angry at all of those featured in the Lovedesh Hall of horrors, because when they damaged and hurt Lovedesh, not only were they damaging me, my daughter and all the vulnerable folks we work with. But they were messing with the memory and legacy that I have been creating to restore my father’s reputation.

Because what you don’t know is that he suffered a lot for educating us girls. He was mocked and pilloried.He was told that he would regret it and that we would all go wild. And of course, when we did, meet examples, by having a mixed race child, they all pointed and laughed and mocked and ridiculed him. He was lampooned.

But I was not to know that.  Nor care. Even now, my backward community talks about the Choudhury girls known as “Makon Miah’s furin” and they laughs and mocks at how my family are utterly broken. And they point and gossip “that is what happens when women get out of their lanes – my daughters are all too busy with being a wife and a mother – as it should be”

But in the 1990s I was busy being a young single professional woman.  No idea of what was to come.

Abba always knew I eschewed having a husband.  And he was so proud that I was working in the city of London for big corporate’s. And even got me to drive in Bangladesh in the 1990s as well as undertake purchasing of cement, machinery and tools for redecorating our family house, insulant, Bangladesh. Again,  for a Sylehti woman do to this – it was unheard of.

And soon you will learn why, as the real role that daughters play in my community,  is this.  The expectation for us from the moment we are born – is that we must change, when we get to become adults.  That we were just temporary tenants in our father’s household.  We would and must leave our fathers house transferring across to that of our husband.   It didn’t matter whether you were 25, 45, or 15 the outcome would be the same. There could be no life outside of this transition,  We are indeed “born to breed”.

Well me being me. At the age of six, I made it very clear that no such thing would happen to me.  I recall screaming and crying being told that I would have to leave my father’s house. I had a particularly nasty aunt who would crow about it.  She used to enjoy setting me off. And she hated the fact that my father had big visions for his daughters. As an FYI, of course she had given birth to 2 sons. A veritable lottery win in my community.

I made it clear I wanted to be a bachelorette.   And he would indulge me.  And to some extent he could.

You see my father was a wealthy landowner of Sylhet  Bangladesh. And a wealthy man in his own right in the UK. The first of his family, to stockpile assets that would make him extremely rich.  In fact the richest in his family and the greatest benefactor, as he began to sponsor every single one whoever came to him.

His heritage was from a strictly orthodox landowning Muslim family.  From the Village of Ali Nagor.  In Sylhet, Bangladesh.  He began to buy acres of land. He had a dream that one day, it would all be used philanthropically to provide income for the rural villagers. Who adored him.

The process of landowning in Bangladesh works similar to the english feudal system.  Yet different given that the land also owned was at some point controlled by the British Empire.  A dominant social system where villages become a form of tenant.  There is a Squire (Zomidar).   A term introduced during British Colonial rule.

And the villagers would work for the lands under the “Nankar” a form of slavery – where in exchange for bread and food they would get right to live and work the lands.  Deemed to be owned by the Zomidors. It was abusive.  Horrific.  They had no rights.   I know my father thought this was wrong.   So do I . And it is continued to be practiced by my own family in 2021.  And why a post will soon be emerging about #SaveShelim. A real villager who has disappeared, whom I was helping to escape my family;’s clutches.

My late father was often called Zomidar, as he was the son of a landowning family.

But my father was different.

He treated the villagers with love and respect.  I have photographs of him hanging out with the members of the villagers, his own family would wrinkle their noses at.  But because he was rich and he had a British passport, nobody dared to say a word. And so while he was alive, the villagers had the greatest benefactor and even to this day, when I visit Bangladesh, they cry and tell me how much they miss him.

But both him and I knew my community would never permit me to do all the things I knew I wanted to do.  That he wanted me to do.  That he wanted all my three other sisters to do.

And I guess it is why I was the only daughter, remaining at home, who was allowed to eschew every single offer of marriage. Many were via arranged marriage proposals that came – seeking my hand.

I was not only a young professional woman with my own earned income which which I bought my own car, my own house in London and a a City career. Not one penny from my family.  And he let me be.

And so his greatest legacy he left for me – was that he raised me like a son.  Allowed me the privileges of a son.  And shielded me from ever getting married.

To get me ready so that should he die – I could survive alone.

Of course he wanted it desperately but he could never ever force me. No matter how much he worried and told me that he was scared for me, I would poo poo away all his concerns.

He told me the “wolves” would come for his family and why he whispered to me often, he was leaving me, the business minded one,  as an insurance policy – should my siblings fail.

As he suspected they would.   And do it in a terrible way.  That would end up destroying all the work he had done, and all his legacy of philanthropy.

And to this day I see documents that my dad  has left behind, carefully worded, in order to limit the powers of my own brother. And that of my male cousin.  And of the reams of correspondence and diary notes he kept,  of his fluent English, detailing so many betrayals. If how he was cheated over and over and over again.  And now that I myself, in a similar position to my father, however I have tools and social media platforms to tell my story, I must say I’m really glad my father died. As I would imagine it would’ve killed him to carry on staying alive.

Because constant betrayal, constant unethical people constant horror – is trauma to the brain.  I should know. As I myself suffered from it.

You will recall, this is also a man who was born and bred in a village.  Who was doing the best he could. Who had no support.

When he finally died – unexpectedly – I was 33.  The men in my family moved in and took control. And of course – in there was my first cousin – a man called Enam – who had married my besotted eldest sister, a British solicitor  – against my father’s wishes. He knew what Enam, his own blood nephew was up to. And of the danger this man posed.

I was bamboozled by grief. Despite being a professional who was working for big retail brands and corporates –  with extensive experience in the banking sector and FTSE companies, I was told by my family – it was not my place to ask questions. No – not even at 34.

But I slowly fought back.  At every step.  I began to wake up. And as much as I had been trained, I was no match for life without my father. His power was gone. I was alone.   And instead I began to see nefarious individuals and family members who my head once upon a time love to so much, making terrible horrific choices. Motivated by greed, patriarchy and a wilful need to destroy and erase my father’s name.

I fought back.  At every step.

I had begun fighting for the rights of rural villagers.  Yes, me a British born and bred Londoner.

I had no credentials. I had nobody protecting me.

I did not know the language.  The villagers and the good people of Bangladesh taught me.

I Iearnt it all and I began to fight back.  Not just for me, but for every woman and for every rural villagers treated as an “untouchable”

I was cut off and shunned by family members. And I soon became known as the “crazy” one. She is “mad”.  In order to distract from their own conduct and behaviour which I was digging up left right and centre.

Report after report, and incident after incident was occurring of how my horrific family were mistreating the very poorest

My “Muslim” devout family treated the women and men villagers like dirt.  And were often busy torturing and hurting them.

So incandescent with rage at the evil being undertaken by my “professional” British family and my male cousins in Bangladesh. I took it on myself to do something about it.

I was told that villagers “deserved to stay poor” and not to have access to electricity.  I strolled in to an electrical office HQ and I sorted it for them. All of this can be vouched for.

Let me give some more brief examples.

I was raised not to sit at the same level as them – I did.

I was told I should not touch them and hug them – I did.

I was told I should not allow them to sit on my bed – I did.

I was told they could not eat at the dining table with me – I did.

I was told not to do charity projects that would ever involve use of the join family’s ancestral land – I did.

I was told not to mingle alone – as I was unmarried – I did.

I was told it was wrong to show my hair – I did.

I was told I should get a husband – I did not.

And boy – my British family and male cousins in Bangladesh hated me.  They were embarrassed of me.

There are scores of YouTube videos of me – talking about the punishment being meted out to me in 2015 – because I, a single mother, in my 40s, with a mixed race daughter, had begun defying centuries old traditions.

Challenging my corrupt family.  Over and over. And over.

By now I was even fighting my own British born and bred siblings.  No, they were not on my side. To this day I do not understand.

As I got closer to the villagers.  I  began fighting to obtain shares of my late father’s in inheritance to become a female rural land owner – yes – a “Zomidar”.

Unheard of in Sylheti Bangladeshi culture.

Yet the rights of the poor and that of Muslim woman’s inheritance rights have been enshrined in Islam since 7th century.  Turn to any Quran – anywhere in the world – it is all there.  But these are often refused by those patriarchal tribal families like mine, who identify as devout “Muslim” families but choose to follow patriarchy .

A form of evil “cultdom” that pervades all societies.  Yes – in the UK and the USA.  A social construct.  As it is the worship and ascendency of the male gender over and above what is not decreed by just Islam. But by every civilised society.  However it took me many decades to understand, why I became a champion of women’s rights. It wasn’t because of westernised white feminism that had been shoved down my throat as a young British schoolgirl.  It was the sheer brilliance of reading the Quran and wondering why it was, that it was ordering and instructing women to be helped into stockpiling cash and assets.

By getting my shares of inheritance, be it land and cash, would mean I could protect the villagers.

By getting access and my name onto title deeds (as there is some global report that says only 1% of all title deeds are in the name of women) – I  thought I could then show just how feminist Islam was.

As I had also witnessed the creeping Islamaphobia.

I thought it behoved for the world to understand just how misunderstood this wonderful faith was. That by ordering women access to inheritance shares back in the 7th century – not because it wanted us to buy pretty frocks or gold rings.  I recall in a stand-up show that I did, at the byline festival, commenting that clearly there was no Gucci or Primark in the deserts of Arabia back then.. So why give women cash?

Hmmmm….

Because access to wealth is access to power and privilege. And of course the ability to do good with it. Or bad of course if that is what one chooses to do with.  But the point remains, Muslim women are expected to be given wealth and to retain it, for her own protection. And as we approach the international day of elimination of violence against women and girls, I would ask the international community, to explore this angle further. The access to wealth and finance.  Which is often been deprived to women as well as the poorest.

I even did my own research piece here about it years ago.  As I was shocked – I had never been taught.

And why I was impressed when Ms Hussain first won – as I knew it would show the world – just how a woman should not be defined by her faith nor her dress. And was so sure she would be someone who would understand the power of the work I too was trying to do.

But the men in my ugly family are the power houses.  It was me against all of them.

And of course – I bit off more than I can chew – given my limited resources.  And after my own blood sisters betrayed me. One by one – to serve the patriarchy in my family – I began to lose.

My sister was married to my first cousin.  Enam.  My father’s brother’s son. And this man, whom I despise, snared my brilliant clever sister at a young age.  Many do not realise, the rush to get Sylheti girls married, is often to not only keep them virgins. For their husbands (who knows what he is up to right!).  But to also secure and possess financial rights.  Which is much coveted. And white many boys growing up, are often shoved towards the female British or American born cousins during trips to Bangladesh..

It will explain why many British Sylheti Banglaeshi women end up married to their first cousins. Especially to those girls with British passports. As often their father’s (like mine) are busy using cash to buy land back in Bangladesh.

To ensure transfer of all property rights. 

My father – the feminist forbid the marriage of my cousin to my sister.  He was adamant no daughter of his would ever marry one of our cousins. He was breaking from tradition.  He knew the game.

Crazy, tragic and sad.

Even my estranged brother is nowhere near the lands in Bangladesh. After he attempt a solo takeover and it failed.

But my family and many more like this exist – to ensure us Muslim women are busy giving up all access to our inheritance rights after marriage.  To the men in our father’s family.  As once married – she is then deemed removed – and the property of her husband and his family.

Again nothing in Islam about this. All patriarchy.

By me staying single – I was remaining “in my father’s” domain.    I chose to stay one step ahead of the tribal law that would serve to catch me out.  Women in my family were raised and deemed mere chattel, we are “born to breed” as I like to coin it. Or “born to bred – bred and then dead.”

And I hate it.

And why even today – British Muslim women from Sylhet culture – like me, from the region of Sylhet – can never have any status – unless we marry a Muslim man.

We must have a husband.

Look around you. How many single mother Muslim women do you see in mainstream society?  I cannot.

If we then wear hijab and have picked a man our family approve of – especially who happens to be from Sylhet – this is the ultimate attainment of patriarchal Sylheti families like mine – to determine if a woman can ever be good.

Reach that attainment, whatever she the does – she is and will forever be, deemed an angel. And if she also stays in her lane and does not ask for her inheritance – busy raising her kid and being a good wife. And following an innocuous career that is seen as serving society or their female community (doctor, lawyer, beautician, teacher, nurse)….

…that is the holy grail .

Sadly until the day Abba died – my eldest sister, a British solicitor refused to understand the danger, her husband Enam posed.  She still does not, even though she is 54.

The latest reports I have of her in November 2021 – is that she is pictured in the company of her husband my male cousins. One of whom sexually assaulted me (which she knows of, as it is also in the public domain). All of whom control my late father’s estate in Bangladesh.

It is really sad – and a low key poorer brown Muslim version of Succession combined with Handmaiden’s Tale and Only Fools And Horses.

My own family and many more, who, while they appear devout Muslims – will refuse even to this day, to accept the part of Quranic law – that women MUST inherit shares whenever certain relatives die. And I think that they are hoping for me to die, so that I never see the shares owed to me, ever given. Because by depriving me of it, means depriving the villages of help.

And while every Imam I have ever met backs me. And I’ve been to nearly every single British Muslim charity  from National Zakat foundation, to MCB, Muslim Council of Britain to even Muslim Women’s Network, not one has offered to help.  In fact every single one of these organisations have turned their back on me.

Yet –  16 years on from my beloved father’s death – I remain unable to access it. It has simply been stolen from me. By the men in my family with the help of women.  Who are brainwashed into helping them. This includes all my sisters and female cousins. Some cry privately and others tell me “what power do I have – none – I am now in my husancs’s house I cannot help you”.

My own thinking behind why Muslim female financial rights is so hidden – is this.  That the less Muslim women know – the less they ask – and so the more patriarchy – which is not allowed in Islam, is enabled.

I even spent many years attempting British media & Muslim organisations to look into this. To help me.  To no avail.  They prefer to just focus on anything and everything as long as it does not cover the rights Muslim women get – which are VAST in Islam.

And the relevance of all this details re Ms Hussain is this.

Why me getting that call from Love Productions was so brilliant.  At first.

I stupidly thought Ms Nadiya Hussain would privately back me. Would love to meet a woman like me.  And the story of the women and men who needed help.  That she would want to help assist.

I really thought that she, a fellow woc, a Muslim, a woman who talks on and on about lacking confidence and being nervous, would at least want to support me privately.

Support the rural village women, given all the horrendous atrocities I and they were enduring were on YouTube –  such as this film.

And while I accepted her advisors, would probably not want her to be seen to be dragged into a negative – she could at least honour and credit the work being done by me for Sylheti Village women. As I thought that would be a great sucker punch to my backward family.

Instead, I hope you will now understand the shock I felt. When I reveal the following.

At first. I got no reply from her to my first urgent email. Pleading for help.  I ignored my concerns and assumed it was because of course the agent was busy.

In this email I had asked Anne Kibel of AK Management to meet Ms Hussain, as I had no intention of going public and wanted this issue of infringement resolved in privat

SCOPE OF COMPLAINT

Our dispute is not with anyone involved in the production of Fast Flavours, or any new projects or third parties mentioned here that Ms Hussain is attached to – unless of course, Ms Hussain is using the same “professionals” that were involved that related to my original dispute in 2015, re this individual’s programme for BBC1 called “The Chronicles Of Nadiya”

https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b07r1tc5

Nor is it our intention ever to harm, distress or cause anyone to be unhappy. That would go against my very ethical values.

Hence I congratulate Wall to Wall & BBC2, who have joined to bring British audiences a new cooking programme presented by GBBO winner – Nadiya Hussain called “Fast Flavours”.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m0011h29

But equally, I do have to speak up.

Not just for myself but those who haven’t been left, impacted.

And why I needed to connect with CEOs and the press and legal departments of Wall To Wall Media, BBC, Next and the charities working with Ms Hussain, GBBO creators Love Production And AK Management.

As I have left no stone unturned, in attempting to resolve this privately.

However I have reached an impasse for many years, and I feel I will continue to be ignored. Unless those who have power – can take action.

And why I have brought the matter to each of you.

I cannot do what each of you have the power to do.

Next.  My complaint should be be read by all and anyone involved in the platforming and promoting of Ms Nadiya Hussain.   Given that many will not be aware of the information I’m about to share. Please forward to all those involved in this programme.

As I now possess details of every single person involved in “Fast Flavours” below.  All of whom I’ve never had any contact with in the list below, nor do I have any dispute with – except for Ms Nadiya Hussein, GBBO creators Love Productions & AK Management.

I will also be reaching out to them myself.

Credits

FAIR NOTICE

I am giving fair notice. And I appreciate this may come as a shock.

I am very open and willing to discuss this matter, so that we reach a fair and reasonable resolution.

But I must insist everyone withdraw all content and programmes such as  “Fast Flavours” and “Chronicles of Nadiya” programme.  As well as her Next Shoes Edit project, Times Column and more.

Out of respect – as COP26 draws to a close – in the interests of protecting people and planet.

Based on moral and human rights as well as on ethical grounds. For those rural villagers who have since died.  Who never got recognition.  As did not I.

I also write to formally state that anyone complicit in continuing to promote and platform Ms Hussain, GBBO, Creators Love Productions and Ms Anne Kibel of AK Management, after having brought evidence to their attention, of this triumvirate’s gross unethical conduct, especially as COP26 draws to a close, is deemed by Lovedesh and the communities it serves,  to be immediately complicit in the violation of moral and human rights.

As well as depriving the poorest and disabled in the world.

I would also urge you to think about those, especially the world’s poorest I am seeking to help, who collaborated with me, who have either died or who suffered financial loss.  They have no voice. Hence please take me seriously?

And explore for yourselves the consequence of the actions undertaken by Ms Hussain and GBBO creator Love Productions and AK Management. Whom I feel have been falsely showboating and platforming her.  We have many more villages on standby, who will testify the importance they placed on Lovedesh’s success in not only rescuing themselves but their family.

And why I am asking that all promotion and platforming of any projects initiated that involves either Ms Nadiya Hussain and her agent Ms Anne Kibel of AK Management – or GBBO creators Love Productions, is halted.

ACTION REQUESTED 

We now ask that you suspend all or cancel any activities by Ms Hussain and AK Management and GBBO.

Based on a reminder of these points.

1. The Trio have deprived and disrespected garment workers and rural villagers of Bangladesh and more.  By refusing to acknowledge the contribution Lovedesh has made in the Chronicles of Nadiya, many could have been helped.
2. They have refused every opportunity to resolve this in private. Or to meet. I feel this is evidence of their culpability.
3. I posses evidence of the email that her agent Anne Kibel wrote. And many more.
4. I feel my evidence does show “stealing” my concept ideas (as many have used this world – based on evidence I have shown others).
5. Sadly I do feel Ms Hussain is falsely portraying herself as authentic and  lacking in confidence – her and her representatives are anything but behind the scenes.  They are money focused. And all of you have a duty not to mislead audiences. And to label and credit external relationships.  “The BBC must not knowingly and materially mislead its audiences. We should not distort known facts, present invented material as fact or otherwise undermine our audiences’ trust in our content. We should normally acknowledge serious factual errors and correct them quickly, clearly and appropriately.” And also “The BBC seeks to offer fair and appropriate attribution to third parties that it is involved with
6. Ms Hussain, AK Management & Love Productions have already been entered into the Lovedesh Hall of Horrors.  A list of those who have prevented and harmed the work being done by Lovedesh to protect people and planet.
7. We ask you to honour those who have died,  whom we were attempting to help – through our cooking projects. Not just on income but life. This includes my cousin’s wife, a survivor of domestic violence. She taught me everything. She unexpectedly died this year, because she did not have enough money for hospital. She might have had a better life had Chronicles of Nadiya featured her and credited Lovedesh’s work.  As well as two men – Rustum & Ainul. Both died leaving behind widows.  Ainul’s daughter was married off – she was under age.  Had her father been alive or Lovedesh had made income  – this would not have happened to her. Plus one of the male cooks – who helped me learn wood fire cooking – is also dead.

I am very very upset and emotional.

RIGHT OF REFUSAL

Can we make it clear this is purely an invitation.

Of course you are welcome to decline. And at no point are we asking for any compensation or money that is not legally entitled to us.

However we will continue to robustly pursue our claim.  Financially and publicly.

Hence from this day forward, of the time and date stamp this email was issued, Lovedesh reserves rights to significant damages plus 11.36% of all gross revenue made by anyone and any third party associated with this programme – be it current and future income – should anyone continue to earn income from this talent after having informed you of our complaint.

Am sure you have a clause in all talent contracts which insists they are ethical and do not do anything to bring into disrepute the organisations involved or associated with this programme.

And would suggest you clawback any funds from her and her team and to perhaps consider legal action for misrepresentation.

And before anyone gets upset with me.  Remember the people that I have been working to help. And those who died.  They are my priority. Not the feelings of those in media and entertainment companies, who are worrying over loss of income and reputation.

Next.  The persons who did this are Ms Hussain and her agent and Love Productions.  Help challenge them?

And if you refuse or say “this is nothing to do with us” – each of you who were told, but refused to help or turned a blind eye,  will then automatically become party to this dispute.

Because all of you have access to power and privilege to stop this talent. And can  help to ensure that production companies are putting ethics and integrity at the heart of everything they do.  And that every single person involved in any programme herein, is not party to any outstanding dispute.  Nor tramples over human right led organisations.

CONCLUSION

Now with all this evidence.  Do any of you think that Ms Nadiya Hussain is a harmless naive talent – or one who is surrounded by extremely clever, ruthless execs and does not care about the ordinary impoverished folks of Bangladesh? I believe the latter.

And at the core of it all was Love Productions the makers of GBBO.  And encouraging Ms Hussain, is also her agent Ms Anne Kibel – whom we hope is struck off for life. From representing any  talent. Unless she puts right the wrong done.

It is also interesting how in the latest series of GBBO are showboating the brilliant wonderful baker Lizzie who has ADHD and Dyslexia. And of course, it’s a great way to use cooking as a means to demonstrate the wonderful capabilities of humans, regardless any condition.

I’m all for it.

But behind the scenes, Lovedesh Production chose to wilfully continue to erase and refuse to do right by Lovedesh and me. Myself who is registered disabled. As are many of the victims of Rana Plaza.

Including Ali  – a disabled rickshaw driver.

And this is why I know all three – Ms Hussain, Ms Anne Kibel and Love Production are, based on the factual evidence I present, (and I am sorry to say), are being disingenuous.

How else to explain the actions towards me, Lovedesh and all the vulnerable communities that I have been supporting since 2008.

They don’t seem to give a damn. And they only push forward vulnerabilities, of talent – who will stand to earn them income. Even at the expense of others.

They have resorted to ghosting me yet again in 2021 – in a desperate attempt that this will go away. But it won’t.

I simply do not have any mercy or compassion, certainly not for any individual or her money hungry  representatives who have refused to provide a response. And have ghosted me.

And I wish to remind you of this adage. “All it takes for evil to flourish is for good people to do nothing.”

I know it is hard for society to accept evidence of a beloved public personality whom they adulate, is in fact, behind the scenes are very different person.

I too was shocked. But then I’m reminded of the famous Booker T Washington quote.

I think he is referring to the pattern of disingenuous folks relying on becoming so “untouchable” that  the majority protects them, and why this then permits them to feel they can behave poorly in private.

Again I reiterate.

Should you choose to ignore Lovedesh polite request for assistance, refuse to see evidence, regrettably I then hold each of you complicit.  I will not give up sharing evidence.

And it then continues to snowball as perhaps you then become liable for misleading others, who in the future may choose to work with this talent, who perhaps will then hold you liable for not having taken action, to stop such talent profiteering at the expense of Lovedesh and the poorest communities it serves.

I look forward to your response.

Yasmin Choudhury

CEO/Founder of Lovedesh