Parody ‘Malefactors’ List Pulled Offline Following Official Intervention
A satirical online list of public figures, purportedly compiled by Morrissey, has reportedly been removed from circulation after his representatives intervened. The list, titled ‘The Malefactors,’ gained significant traction online in recent days, sparking widespread discussion and amusement.
The controversial post initially appeared to originate from Morrissey’s official blog, Morrissey Central, and suggested the singer was identifying and retaliating against his perceived adversaries. However, the satirical Instagram account MozPosting has since claimed responsibility for the creation and dissemination of the parody list. MozPosting stated that Morrissey’s team contacted them with a request for removal, citing concerns over “copyright infringement and impersonation.”
Context of Legal Disputes and Online Allegations
This development follows closely on the heels of Morrissey publicly discussing an ongoing legal case. The singer has initiated action against nine individuals accused of online identity fraud. He alleged that these individuals were encouraging followers to “actively join factions and movements advocating various political ideas.” Furthermore, Morrissey claimed that one of the accused individuals had “connections to an ex-member of The Smiths.”
Prominent Figures Featured on the Parody List
The widely shared ‘Malefactors’ list included a diverse array of personalities from the realms of music, politics, and wider public life. Notable individuals named on the extensive roster were Johnny Marr (listed multiple times), Machine Gun Kelly, Edward Cullen, Joe Talbot of IDLES, Mo Chara from Kneecap, the country Canada, Nigel Farage, the band Oldplay, and even animated character Lisa Simpson.
The full, comprehensive list, as circulated online, featured names such as: Johnny Marr, Princess Diana, Keir Starmer, Anthony Kiedis, Elton John, Aubrey Drake Graham, Lisa Simpson, Donald Trump, Thom Yorke, Damon Albarn, Taylor Swift, Zendaya, Katy Perry, Jack Black, Machine Gun Kelly, Edward Cullen, Popeye, a garden gnome named Clive, Jamie Oliver, Keanu Reeves, Ryan Reynolds, Snoop Dogg, Bruce Springsteen, Willem Dafoe, Brian Cox, Meryl Streep, Bigfoot, Madonna, Kylie Minogue, Kate Bush, Duran Duran, Noel Gallagher, Canada, Lucio, Nigel Farage, Oldplay, Johnny Marr, Ronald McDonald, Alex Turner, John Cena, David Attenborough, Paul Rudd, Stephen King, Cher, Rowan Atkinson, Stevie Nicks, Jeff Goldblum, Gordon Ramsay, Stanley Tucci, Björk, Donna Noble, Mitski, TV Girl, Tame Impala, Alex G, Chris Pratt, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Jennifer Coolidge, Tilda Swinton, Peter Hook, Mike Mills, Elon Musk, Justin Bieber, The Blue Album, John Gilman, Steven Patrick Morrissey, Charli XCX, Johnny Marr, Sam Browne, Elijah Wood, Siouxsie Sioux, Sam Altman, J.K. Rowling, Coleen Hoover, David Tennant, The Guardian, C418, Russell T Davies, Stanley Kubrick, Joaquin Phoenix, Ross Geller, Chappell Roan, Miley Cyrus, 50 Cent, Tom MacDonald, Ulfric Stormcloak, Ben Shapiro, Mark Fischbach, Joe Talbot, Nicholas Cage, Sam Levinson, Mo Chara, and Margaret Thatcher.
Statement from the Parody Account Creator
MozPosting issued a statement explaining their decision to remove the post. “This account is and has always been intended as satire, and the post was a parody, but I don’t want to create any unnecessary issues,” the account holder wrote. “Thank you to everyone who enjoyed the joke while it lasted.”
R.E.M. Bassist Mike Mills Reacts to Inclusion
Among the individuals named on the list was Mike Mills, the former bassist of the band R.E.M. Upon being made aware of his inclusion, Mills responded with a lighthearted take on X (formerly Twitter). He mused, “A) it’s probably not me (filmmaker Mike Mills?) B) I think it’s supposed to be funny, and it actually is. Canada? All of it?” This playful response acknowledged the existence of another prominent figure named Mike Mills, a celebrated director known for films such as ’20 th Century Women.’
Morrissey’s Recent Activities and Future Plans
Morrissey’s 14th solo album, ‘Make-Up Is A Lie,’ was released in March. He has since announced a European headline tour scheduled for the summer and a UK tour set for December. Notably, the upcoming UK dates do not include any London performances, following his February concert at The O2 in London, which was billed as his sole UK performance for the year. Earlier this year, the singer also cancelled several US dates citing “artist illness” and an “adverse reaction to a prescription medication,” and a subsequent date in Valencia was axed due to “sleep deprivation.”
In other recent news, Morrissey has claimed authorship of the initial concept for The Smiths’ iconic photograph at Salford Lads Club and has offered corrections regarding the band’s signing with Rough Trade. He is also slated to headline the CBGB Festival in New York this September, appearing alongside artists such as Patti Smith, Interpol, and a Sex Pistols performance featuring Frank Carter.
