Morrissey begins legal action against online troll for defamation
Morrissey has started the initial stages of legal action against an online troll he alleges contributed to “decades-long” defamation and a “harmful global narrative”.
The user, who is based in the UK, reportedly posted “distressing, harmful and libellous” content about the former The Smiths member over various social media accounts, according to documents obtained by Music Business Worldwide.
The singer’s cease-and-desist letter revealed he hired a law firm to start legal proceedings against the troll and accused them of posting “an enormous amount” of content daily against the singer, alongside written notes sent directly to his home.
The letter also claims that the individual curated a narrative relating to “‘far right’ politics”, which are “the antithesis of our client” as he is “a pacifist, apolitical” person who has “never joined a political party or voted”.
According to the letter, the individual also involved the singer’s family, contributing to “and perpetuating a harmful global narrative that is inaccurate, defamatory and has driven the media to repeat these falsehoods.”
Online protection service Web Sheriff also supported the claim, revealing that a “person of interest” has been identified, with more individuals expected to be identified across England, Europe, and America. According to the company, this fraud has been aimed at “supporting the perpetrators of racist and far-right ideology by falsely associating an influential artist with their diatribe.”
Morrissey has been heavily criticised over the years for his political views and associations, particularly in 2019 after wearing a For Britain badge during a live performance, along with several additional harmful comments about race.
The same year, he said that Reform leader Nigel Farage “would make a good prime minister” and that For Britain leader Anne Marie Waters was “extremely intelligent, ferociously dedicated to this country, she is very engaging, and also very funny at times.”
He also openly criticised the #MeToo movement and delivered this controversial comment regarding Kevin Spacey’s accuser: “One wonders if the boy did not know what would happen … When you are in somebody’s bedroom, you have to be aware of where that can lead.”
Of the countless accusers of Harvey Weinstein, he said: “They play along. Afterwards, they feel embarrassed or disliked.”
This is a developing story.
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