Johnny Rotten

Lydon refused to authorise the use of Sex Pistols songs in Danny Boyle's series 'Pistol'. Steve Jones and Paul Cook sued him; the High Court ruled that they could rely on the majority rule set out in the band's agreement and override his veto.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Directly implicated

In a 2020 interview, Lydon confirmed his support for Donald Trump, explaining in particular that he identified with the accusations of racism directed at the US president, and rejected the idea that Meghan Markle had experienced racism, sparking a new political and cultural controversy.

State of the evidence

Documented

Legal status — source text

Not applicable

Attribution

Personally implicated

In an interview recorded in 1978, Lydon mentioned rumours of "seediness" surrounding Jimmy Savile; the passage was not broadcast. In 2015, he claimed that his comments had resulted in his being banned from the BBC for a time.

Attribution

Personally implicated

Kele Okereke, lead singer of Bloc Party, claimed that he had been assaulted by members of Lydon's entourage following an altercation at the Summercase festival and subjected to a racist tirade. Musicians present were named as witnesses, and Okereke appeared with facial injuries.

Attribution

Personally implicated

After the band's break-up, Lydon and the other Sex Pistols entered prolonged litigation against Malcolm McLaren and his organisations over management, rights and money. In 1986, band members recovered more than £800,000 held in escrow as part of the resolution of the dispute.

State of the evidence

Settlement

Attribution

Protagonist is the complainant

The Sex Pistols' appearance on Thames Television's Today programme sparked a press scandal following live on-air insults, presenter Bill Grundy's suspension and a wave of concert cancellations. John Lydon was the band's singer and public face, but the most notorious insults were uttered by other members, notably Steve Jones.

State of the evidence

Reported by the press

The BBC imposed a complete broadcast ban on "God Save the Queen" in May 1977, during Elizabeth II's Silver Jubilee. Lydon had begun writing the song under the title "No Future" and was its lead singer; the track became a national controversy concerning the monarchy, censorship and punk youth.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Directly implicated

The Sex Pistols performed "God Save the Queen" on a boat sailing past Parliament during the jubilee. Police intervened when the boat docked, and several members of the entourage were arrested. Lydon participated in the concert as singer.

State of the evidence

Documented