Morrissey has provided new details about his ongoing legal battle against a large‑scale online identity fraud operation targeting him.
In a spring‑time post on his official website, the former Smiths frontman disclosed that an online protection firm, The Web Sheriff, had contacted him about a coordinated campaign of fraud, disinformation and defamation.
The firm described the scheme as “one of the worst and most malicious” they have encountered, citing previous work for artists such as Beyoncé, Prince, Bob Dylan, Adele and Radiohead.
According to the statement on Morrissey Central, the campaign involves fake websites, impersonation on social‑media platforms, identity theft and sustained harassment across Facebook, X, Twitter and Instagram—networks Morrissey has never used.
The fraudulent posts date back several years and falsely attribute statements to Morrissey in an effort to damage his reputation. The update notes that Morrissey does not maintain personal accounts on any of these platforms and does not own a smartphone.
Morrissey says he has suffered what was described as “the very worst case of online identity fraud”
The singer says nine people have been urging fans to join political factions and movements in Morrissey’s name
Full statement: pic.twitter.com/1k5gVG8PiU
— Morrissey and Wine (@mozandwine) June 11, 2026
In the latest update, Morrissey said the investigation now points to nine individuals responsible for the impersonations. He explained that, eighteen months ago, The Web Sheriff informed his former manager, Merck Mercuriadis, that the fraud “involves nine people masquerading as Morrissey on behalf of various political groups.”
The post alleges that these actors are urging fans to join “factions and movements advocating various political ideas,” though it does not specify which movements. One of the nine is said to have posted roughly 1,800 messages, while another allegedly has ties to a former member of The Smiths and has posted material that “severely harmed Morrissey’s status and character.”
Morrissey’s team says a “planned operation” to involve police action against the nine suspects is underway, requiring the engagement of two law firms. They also note that the financial burden of the case exceeds Morrissey’s personal capacity.
The next steps in the investigation remain under consideration.
“Morrissey has not ever been active on open forums, and has not ever owned a smart‑phone, or contributed to Facebook, X, Instagram, TikTok, or joined a political party.”
WHAT HAPPENED NEXT? – MESSAGES FROM MORRISSEY – MORRISSEY CENTRAL
— Matthew Jacobson – (@MatthewMozzer) June 11, 206
Earlier statements from Morrissey’s representatives accused an individual of repeatedly publishing material about the artist and even leaving notes at his home, according to Music Business Worldwide. They claimed the content primarily promoted far‑right political views that contradict Morrissey’s own apolitical stance.
While Morrissey has occasionally sparked controversy with remarks about politics and various public figures, he maintains that he is a pacifist who has never joined a political party or voted.
In March, Morrissey released his 14th solo album, Make‑Up Is A Lie, on Sire Records and announced a European headline tour for the summer. He also confirmed a UK tour slated for December, which will not include London dates.
Recent cancellations of U.S. shows were attributed to “artist illness” and an “adverse reaction to prescription medication,” while a Valencia date was dropped due to “sleep deprivation.”
Additionally, Morrissey has taken credit for conceiving the iconic photograph of The Smiths taken outside Salford Lads Club and corrected Johnny Marr on the band’s early signing with Rough Trade.
He is set to headline this year’s CBGB Festival in New York in September, sharing the bill with Patti Smith, Interpol and a Sex Pistols lineup featuring Frank Carter.