Morrissey

Miley Cyrus requested the removal of her vocal contribution from a song intended for the album 'Bonfire of Teenagers'. The decision immediately fuelled speculation that Morrissey's controversial political positions had played a role.

Attribution

Close aide

Morrissey expressed support for For Britain, described as a far-right, anti-Islam party, publicly defended Tommy Robinson in the context of his contempt of court proceedings and wore a For Britain badge on The Tonight Show in 2019. His position caused a rift with some fans and industry professionals: Spillers record shop, for example, announced that it would no longer sell his records.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Directly implicated

During a concert in Portland, a spectator held up placards opposing For Britain and criticising Morrissey. The singer stopped the concert, demanded her removal and refused to continue until she had left the venue.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Directly implicated

In an interview published on his website, Morrissey described halal slaughter as 'evil' and falsely claimed that certification could only be issued by 'supporters of ISIS'. He also criticised London Mayor Sadiq Khan, Theresa May, Diane Abbott and other officials and expressed support for the For Britain party.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Directly implicated

In an interview with Der Spiegel, Morrissey made comments regarded as minimising or victim-blaming concerning allegations against Kevin Spacey and Harvey Weinstein. After he disputed how the interview had been presented, the magazine released the audio recording to support its account.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Directly implicated

In 2007, NME published an interview in which Morrissey said, among other things, that increased immigration was erasing British identity and that England had become a memory. Believing the magazine was seeking to portray him as racist, he brought a defamation action. In 2012, NME published a clarification and apologised if the article had been understood as accusing him of racism.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Directly implicated

Asked about animal protection in China, Morrissey said that the mistreatment of animals he attributed to the country made it impossible not to regard 'the Chinese' as a 'subspecies'. The remark prompted immediate condemnation and revived accusations of racism.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Directly implicated

During a 1992 concert at Finsbury Park, Morrissey draped himself in the Union Jack against a backdrop associated with skinhead imagery. Combined with 'The National Front Disco' and other controversial lyrics, the performance sparked a major critical campaign in the music press, particularly NME, concerning his relationship with nationalism and race.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Directly implicated

The song 'Margaret on the Guillotine', directed at Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher and referring to her death, attracted Special Branch attention. Morrissey recounted being questioned by police about the song and his attitude towards Thatcher.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Directly implicated

In an interview during the Smiths era, Morrissey made highly negative remarks about contemporary Black pop music and described reggae in terms that led to lasting accusations of racism. These statements became a recurring reference point when his subsequent positions on immigration and British identity were criticised.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Directly implicated