People seeing racism 'where it doesn't exist'

The farce surrounding claims NASCAR driver Bubba Wallace was the victim of a hate crime shows people are increasingly seeing racism where it doesn’t exist, according to Sky News host Rowan Dean.

The FBI launched an investigation into whether a rope found in the garage of Bubba Wallace, NASCAR’s only black driver, was a noose.

If it was, this action could constitute a hate crime.

“The FBI report concludes, and photographic evidence confirms, that the garage door pull rope fashioned like a noose had been positioned there since as early as last fall,” NASCAR said in a statement.

“This was obviously well before the 43 team’s arrival and garage assignment."

“We appreciate the FBI’s quick and thorough investigation and are thankful to learn that this was not an intentional, racist act against Bubba. We remain steadfast in our commitment to providing a welcoming and inclusive environment for all who love racing.”

Mr Dean said the tendency for people to assume someone is racist is "a dangerous trend."

"This would be hilarious if it wasn't so serious," Mr Dean said.

Increasingly, because people are being told that there is all this racism out there, there are all these racial attacks out there, because it's been rammed down their throats, people are seeing it where it doesn't exist and that is incredibly dangerous."