Bardella announced his withdrawal from the conference after claiming Bannon made a "gesture referring to Nazi ideology" during a speech on Thursday. Bannon was accused of giving a Nazi salute after he extended his right arm out with palm facing out after his address, though he has denied the claim.

Steve Bannon was accused of making a Nazi salute as he concluded a speech at a conservative gathering where President Donald Trump is slated to speak this weekend, but Bannon said Friday the gesture was merely a “wave.

The gesture comes as Trump and his allies have prompted growing alarm among critics about their embrace of authoritarian messaging and symbols.