Full Breakdown
Justin Hawkins Condemns Unauthorized AI Deepfake Amid UK Political Meme
5/21/2026, 9:51:54 PM
AI-Generated Political Meme Sparks Outcry
A viral AI-generated video posted online depicts a younger Justin Hawkins, frontman of The Darkness, in a spandex catsuit walking behind Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham at 10 Downing Street. The clip, set against Labour’s leadership turmoil, features Hawkins singing “Are you gonna take control of this mess that Keir’s in?” while deepfakes of Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Deputy Leader Angela Rayner, Ed Miliband and former Health Secretary Wes Streeting also appear. The meme surfaced as Burnham prepares to stand as the Labour candidate in the upcoming Makerfield by-election, and as Streeting resigned after expressing a loss of confidence in Starmer.
Legal Landscape and Artist Rights
In a YouTube response titled “Get Your Hands Off My Face, Mother……”, Hawkins asserted that the deepfake was shared without his consent and highlighted that, under current UK law, deepfake technology is not illegal unless the images are explicit. He emphasized the need for stronger protections for artistic identity, referencing ongoing campaigns to safeguard creators’ rights.
Key Voices: Hawkins, Artist Rights Alliance, and Industry Peers
Hawkins cited the non-profit Artist Rights Alliance, which released an open letter “Stop devaluing music” signed by Billie Eilish, Robert Smith and Stevie Wonder. He also referenced Jack Antonoff’s recent criticism of AI-generated music, describing Antonoff’s remarks as “worth repeating.” Dan Hawkins, guitarist and Justin’s brother, later discussed the band’s forthcoming UK arena tour supporting the 2025 album *Dreams On Toast*.
Official Statements & Responses
Hawkins clarified that he never authorized the use of his likeness in political content and that he does not wish to be aligned with any political movement. He noted that the deepfake was shared without permission and that UK legislation only criminalizes explicit deepfakes. The Artist Rights Alliance’s open letter called for urgent action to prevent AI from devaluing music and protecting creators’ identities. Industry figures in March responded to new government AI-copyright measures, urging additional safeguards.
Criticism & Opposition
Jack Antonoff, a prominent songwriter, labeled AI music makers “godless whores,” a comment Hawkins echoed as highlighting the broader threat AI poses to artistic integrity. Antonoff’s stance illustrates a growing chorus of musicians opposing unregulated AI use in creative fields.
Verbatim Quotes
- “This is fucking abysmal,” — Justin Hawkins, frontman, The Darkness
- “He continued: “I didn’t give my permission to appear in any political content, and it’s not something I’ve ever done or will ever do.” — Justin Hawkins
- “AI is shit, and I think that’s all I have to say on the matter.” — Justin Hawkins
- “I don’t wish to be aligned with any political movement at all.” — Justin Hawkins
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Hawkins claims UK law does not criminalize non-explicit deepfakes, yet the article does not provide detailed statutory references, leaving the precise legal status of such content unclear.
What’s Next
The Darkness will launch a UK arena tour in December 2025 for *Dreams On Toast*, while discussions on AI regulation and artist-rights protections continue within the UK music industry.
