Full Breakdown
Morrissey’s Team Removes Satirical “Malefactors” Post
6/15/2026, 1:21:44 PM
The Takedown Request
In mid-June 2026, representatives of Steven Patrick Morrissey sent a notice to Instagram meme account MozPosting demanding removal of a parody titled “The Malefactors”. The post mimicked the Morrissey Central blog and listed public figures, fictional characters and brands. Morrissey’s team cited “copyright infringement and impersonation”. MozPosting complied and announced the deletion in an Instagram story.
Background & Context
The request came after Morrissey’s website announced that his team had identified nine online impersonators with political agendas, one linked to a former Smiths member. The warning preceded the takedown.
Parody Post: Content and Key Figures
The “Malefactors” list mixed real celebrities, politicians and fictional characters. Johnny Marr appeared three times alongside Princess Diana, Keir Starmer, Donald Trump, Elton John, Meryl Streep, 50 Cent, Gordon Ramsay, Taylor Swift, Popeye, Edward Cullen, Ulfric Stormcloak, a garden gnome named Clive and the country Canada. Musicians from Machine Gun Kelly to Björk and Arnold Schwarzenegger were also cited. The roster exceeded one hundred entries.
Official Statements & Responses
Morrissey’s representatives said the MozPosting image “amounted to copyright infringement and impersonation” of the official Morrissey Central site. MozPosting replied that the account “has always been intended as satire” and removed the post to avoid “unnecessary issues.” The account also expressed disappointment, noting the parody was created “out of appreciation” for Morrissey’s music.
Criticism & Opposition
The meme creator called the takedown “incredibly disheartening,” saying, “I’m genuinely devastated. I’m a huge fan of the man’s music.” This response signals opposition to removing fan-generated satire. Moreover, different outlets published varying versions of the list—some showing entries like “Oldplay” or “The Blue Album,” others not—revealing inconsistencies and gaps in reporting.
Verbatim Quotes
- “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.” — MozPosting
- “Thank you to everyone who enjoyed the joke while it lasted.” — MozPosting
- “copyright infringement and impersonation” — Morrissey’s team (as quoted in the takedown notice)
- “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?” — Mike Mills
Timeline
Early June 2026 – Nine impersonators identified; June 13 2026 – “Malefactors” parody posted; mid-June 2026 – Takedown request issued; June 19 2026 – Deluxe Notre-Dame EP release; Late June 2026 – European tour begins; September 2026 – CBGB Festival headline.
What’s Next
Morrissey’s schedule includes a Deluxe Notre-Dame EP on June 19, a European headline tour later that month, and U.S. dates in summer and fall supporting the March album *Make-Up Is A Lie*. He will also headline the CBGB Festival in New York in September. The takedown is expected to spark further debate on online satire and fan-generated content.
