SAS Veteran Defies UK Ban to Discuss Memoir on US Platform
Christian Craighead, restricted from publishing in the UK, participates in a widely viewed YouTube interview in the United States.
A former SAS soldier, Christian Craighead, 51, has publicly discussed his memoir and military operations in a five-hour YouTube interview, defying a gag order imposed by British defense chiefs. The memoir, titled "One Man In," cannot be published in the United Kingdom, and Craighead is prohibited from giving interviews in the country regarding the 2019 Nairobi terrorist siege or other SAS missions.
Despite these restrictions, "One Man In" was released in the United States, and the YouTube interview with a U.S. podcaster discussing the book garnered over 800,000 views within 24 hours. During the interview, Craighead criticized the Ministry of Defence's position on his publication.
Craighead, who was serving as a liaison officer with Kenyan forces, was recognized for his solo operation during the 2019 attack on the DusitD2 hotel complex in Nairobi, which is credited with saving hundreds of lives. He was awarded the Conspicuous Gallantry Cross before leaving UK forces and subsequently moving to the United States. Notably, U.S. President Donald Trump personally congratulated Craighead, and he later worked for Trump's security team.
The UK's prohibition on "One Man In" stems from Craighead having signed a United Kingdom Special Forces confidential contract. The Ministry of Defence stated that employees, past and present, are required to uphold their contractual obligations, and any breaches are assessed on a case-by-case basis, with the department reserving the right to take legal action.
UK Special Forces personnel have been barred from selling memoirs since controversy surrounding accounts of the Gulf War by Andy McNab and Chris Ryan approximately 30 years ago. Craighead unsuccessfully challenged the publication ban in the UK High Court in 2023, reportedly selling his medals to fund his legal defense. Last week, the Ministry of Defence obtained an injunction to prevent the release of "One Man In" in the UK and to bar newspapers from interviewing Craighead.