An influencer and his friends have drawn severe criticism and outrage for creating and posting a video that mocks the murder of Ann Widdecombe. The clip, filmed by influencer Danny Karne, known as 'Danny Lambo,' shows him and his companions joking about a murder at a luxury hotel in Kent.
The art display in question featured a conceptual artwork of an elderly woman lying on the ground, which bore a striking resemblance to the murdered politician. Karne used this as a backdrop for a spoof country house murder mystery, questioning his friends about who killed the politician, whom he mistakenly referred to as 'Ann Whittingham.' The video was posted on social media with the caption, "Who killed Ann Widdecombe (RIP)?"
Nigel Farage, leader of the Reform party, called the individuals involved "sick" for their actions. Richard Tice, the party's deputy leader, described the video as "disgusting" and a mockery of a "brutal killing of a woman loved by millions."
Karne, who claims to be an entrepreneur and playboy millionaire and has a significant following on Instagram, stated that he did not intend to cause offense. He explained that they were mocking the "absurdity of the art display of her death - not her actual horrific death," and that he had said "may she rest in peace" in the video. Karne also mentioned having drinks and discussing the artwork's tastefulness and freedom of expression with others at the event.
The artwork, titled "Still Life. Woman on the floor," was created by artist Olivia Herring several months before Widdecombe's murder. Herring defended her work, stating it was designed to depict someone collapsed "beneath the debris of consumption and luxury" and aimed to start a conversation, not to hurt feelings. She acknowledged the resemblance to Widdecombe but emphasized that art is perceived through lived experience. Herring confirmed the artwork is scheduled to be displayed at three more events in the coming months.
Ann Widdecombe, a former Member of Parliament and Reform UK spokesperson, was murdered at her home in Devon on July 8. Her body was discovered the following day. Joshua Kerry has been charged with her murder.