Nigel Farage, the leader of Reform UK, has been caught in a humiliating and controversial prank after he was tricked into recording a glowing tribute for the convicted child sexual abuse offender and former Lostprophets singer, Ian Watkins.
The Deceptive Cameo Request
The incident occurred on the paid video messaging platform Cameo, where Farage offers personalised clips for a fee starting from £78.45. A user named John Smith paid £98 for a 27-second video, requesting a message on behalf of a "late friend called Ian Watkins and his family."
In the clip, Farage describes Watkins, who died in prison last year, as "a good man, a really good guy" who "loved his children." He falsely claims to have known Watkins well, stating he was "very much in contact with me." Watkins was serving a 29-year sentence for a series of horrific crimes, including the attempted rape of a child, which a lead detective called the most shocking evidence he had ever seen.
Farage's Dismissive Response and a Pattern of Pranks
When confronted about the video by Metro, Farage responded flippantly: ‘Thank him for the money. There are lots of Ian Watkins. Tell him to send more. I did alter his request.’ This reaction has drawn sharp criticism, with critics accusing him of prioritising profit over basic due diligence.
This is not the first time Farage has fallen victim to a Cameo stunt. In 2021, he was tricked into ending a birthday message with the pro-IRA phrase "Up the Ra!" His history also includes being pranked by radio callers during his time hosting an LBC show.
Serious Questions About Integrity and Vetting
John Smith, the prankster behind the latest video, stated he was shocked at how easily Farage was deceived. "I am concerned that he could not see through my frankly paper-thin deception," Smith said. He questioned what Farage would be prepared to do for paymasters with deeper pockets, suggesting the politician "has no actual ideology and will follow the path to power that offers the least resistance."
Smith defended the prank, arguing it did not make light of Watkins' crimes but instead highlighted Farage's own conduct. He pointed to Farage's support for an AI platform known for generating obscene imagery and his behaviour during Prime Minister's Questions. "If he is prepared to lie for relatively paltry sums, what is he prepared to do for larger amounts?" Smith asked.
The controversy casts a shadow over Farage's Cameo service, which promises "an entertaining and lighthearted way for fans to connect" with his "straight-talking, anti-establishment style." It raises fundamental questions about the lack of vetting for requests and the ethical implications of a senior political figure offering personalised messages for cash without scrutiny.
