Recommendations of the Editorial team
Morrissey reports with an update from Web Sheriff – an anti-piracy company that says on its website it is helping him get to the bottom of “the worst case of online identity fraud.” According to this, there are “nine people who pose as Morrissey and act on behalf of various political groups.”
The former Smiths frontman first expressed his concerns about impersonators online in April 2025. At the time, he warned his fans via Morrissey Central that his identity was being misused on social media and fake websites. The post said: “Data emerging online is being falsely published in Morrissey’s name in an attempt to link the artist to false narratives aimed at destroying his career.”
Morrissey’s recent update from Web Sheriff, who contacted his former manager Merck Mercuriadis, makes matters even more murky. According to a new post on Morrissey Central, the nine people tasked with impersonating the musician include someone “who had connections to a former member of the Smiths.” Two more are related to “a generally unfriendly ‘Morrissey’ website that operates in the USA.”
Morrissey and identity fraud
The post makes it clear that Morrissey’s online presence is limited exclusively to Morrissey Central – and specifically emphasizes that he has never owned a smartphone. His main criticism of the impersonators is that “their comments have seriously damaged Morrissey’s reputation and character.”
Now Morrissey is preparing to enter the next phase in dealing with a situation he previously described as “one of the worst and most vicious cases the Web Sheriff has ever seen.”
“The planned operation to take police action against the nine people requires the engagement of two law firms,” the new post says. “The financial burden of extensive and unremitting spending exceeds Morrissey’s personal capabilities. The next step is currently being considered.”