Morrissey’s Team Shuts Down Parody ‘The Malefactors’ Enemy List; R.E.M.’s Mike Mills Reacts

An amusing parody enemy list tied to Morrissey stirred up quite the buzz online before his team stepped in to take it down.

When Parody and Celebrity Collide: The Rise and Fall of ‘The Malefactors’

Ever stumbled upon something so cheeky and wild that you just had to share it? That’s exactly what happened with a recent viral post titled ‘The Malefactors’, a parody list allegedly revealing Morrissey’s personal enemies. Posted on a blog that mimics Morrissey’s own platform, it quickly caught fire across the internet. The list was packed with names from all corners of pop culture, politics, and even the fictional world — all supposedly targets of Morrissey’s disdain.

But just as the laughter and shares piled up, Morrissey’s representatives swung into action. The parody, created by a satirical Instagram account named MozPosting, was swiftly taken down after they received a request from Morrissey’s team citing “copyright infringement and impersonation.” The creators of the parody bowed out gracefully, stating they never intended to cause trouble, only to share a bit of humor.

The Context Behind the Curtain: Morrissey’s Legal Battles and Public Image

This episode unfolded shortly after Morrissey opened up about his legal tussle involving nine people accused of online identity fraud targeting him. In his own words, these individuals were pushing followers to join various political factions, and shockingly, one of them allegedly had ties to a former Smiths band member.

This backdrop adds an intriguing layer to the parody list controversy — a reminder that Morrissey’s public life remains a blend of fierce loyalty, complex disputes, and a splash of mystery.

The Cast of ‘The Malefactors’: A Motley Crew of Names

Now, brace yourself for the full parade of ‘enemies’ that the parody list included. It’s a wild mix of musicians, politicians, celebrities, fictional characters, and even a gardening gnome named Clive (seriously).

Here’s the full list that had fans scratching their heads and chuckling:

• Johnny Marr (listed three times)
• Princess Diana
• Keir Starmer
• Anthony Kiedis
• Elton John
• Aubrey Drake Graham (aka Drake)
• Lisa Simpson (!)
• Donald Trump
• Thom Yorke
• Damon Albarn
• Taylor Swift
• Zendaya
• Katy Perry
• Jack Black
• Machine Gun Kelly
• Edward Cullen (the Twilight vampire)
• Popeye
• A very judgmental garden gnome named Clive
• Jamie Oliver
• Keanu Reeves
• Ryan Reynolds
• Snoop Dogg
• Bruce Springsteen
• Willem Dafoe
• Brian Cox
• Meryl Streep
• Bigfoot
• Madonna
• Kylie Minogue
• Kate Bush
• Duran Duran
• Noel Gallagher
• Canada (yes, the whole country)
• Lucio
• Nigel Farage
• Oldplay (a curious misspelling of Coldplay?)
• Ronald McDonald
• Alex Turner
• John Cena
• David Attenborough
• Paul Rudd
• Stephen King
• Cher
• Rowan Atkinson
• Stevie Nicks
• Jeff Goldblum
• Gordon Ramsay
• Stanley Tucci
• Björk
• Donna Noble (Doctor Who reference)
• Mitski
• TV Girl
• Tame Impala
• Alex G
• Chris Pratt
• Arnold Schwarzenegger
• Jennifer Coolidge
• Tilda Swinton
• Peter Hook
• Mike Mills
• Elon Musk
• Justin Bieber
• The Blue Album (a nod to Weezer fans)
• John Gilman
• Steven Patrick Morrissey (our main man, cheekily included)
• Charli XCX
• Sam Browne
• Elijah Wood
• Siouxsie Sioux
• Sam Altman
• J.K. Rowling
• Coleen Hoover
• David Tennant
• The Guardian (publication)
• C418 (Minecraft’s composer)
• Russell T Davies
• Stanley Kubrick (misspelled as Kubrik)
• Joaquin Phoenix
• Ross Geller (Friends)
• Chappell Roan
• Miley Cyrus
• 50 Cent
• Tom MacDonald
• Ulfric Stormcloak (Skyrim character)
• Ben Shapiro
• Mark Fischbach (Markiplier)
• Joe Talbot (lead singer of IDLES)
• Nicholas Cage
• Sam Levinson
• Mo Chara (from Kneecap)
• Margaret Thatcher

MozPosting’s Take: Satire with a Smile

After the takedown, MozPosting shared a statement explaining their intentions: “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. Thank you to everyone who enjoyed the joke while it lasted.”

R.E.M.’s Mike Mills Responds: The Good Humor Prevails

Among the notable names on the list was Mike Mills, famed bassist from R.E.M. The post surfaced on June 13, catching his attention on X (formerly Twitter). With great humor, he responded:

“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?”

The Many Faces of Mike Mills: Musician and Filmmaker

Just to clear up any confusion: Mike Mills is not only the R.E.M. bassist but also a respected filmmaker known for movies like 20th Century Women, C’mon C’mon, and Beginners. The list’s ambiguity about which Mike Mills it referred to added to the humor.

Morrissey’s Recent Musical Moves and Tour Plans

Despite the online kerfuffle, Morrissey’s musical journey marches on. His 14th solo album, Make-Up Is A Lie, dropped in March via Sire Records, marking his first new record in five years.

Following the release, he announced a European headline tour slated for the summer, promising fans a chance to see him live and in action. Additionally, Morrissey confirmed a UK tour for December, although notably, it doesn’t include any London stops. This comes after his previously billed sole UK concert of the year at The O2 in London back in February.

Health and Cancellations: A Tour with Hiccups

However, not everything has been smooth sailing on the tour front. Morrissey canceled multiple U.S. shows earlier this year, attributing the breaks to “artist illness” and an “adverse reaction to prescription medication.” Then, just last month, he had to cancel a Valencia show due to “sleep deprivation.”

These pauses serve as a reminder that even rock legends have their human moments.

Iconic Moments and Festival Headlines

In other recent news, Morrissey claimed credit for the idea behind the legendary Smiths photo taken outside Salford Lads Club — a snapshot etched forever in rock history. He also corrected Johnny Marr on some details about the band’s Rough Trade signing, showcasing his deep ties to the band’s legacy.

Furthermore, Morrissey is set to headline the 2026 CBGB Festival in New York this September. He’ll be in the company of punk and alternative icons like Patti Smith, Interpol, and the Sex Pistols featuring Frank Carter. A fitting stage for a figure as uniquely influential as Morrissey.

Final Thoughts: A Parody That Sparked Laughter and Reflection

This whole saga around ‘The Malefactors’ list proves how satire and celebrity culture continue to intertwine in unexpected ways. The blend of outlandish names and real-life figures made for pure comedic gold, as one fan joked, “Real or not, Morrissey's 'The Malefactors' list is pure comedy gold.”

It’s a snapshot of fan culture, internet humor, and the ongoing dance that artists like Morrissey perform with the public eye.

FAQ

• What was ‘The Malefactors’ list about?
  It was a parody post listing a humorous mix of public figures and fictional characters as Morrissey’s supposed enemies.
• Who created the parody?
  The satirical Instagram account MozPosting was behind the creation and circulation of the list.
• Why was the post taken down?
  Morrissey’s team requested removal due to copyright infringement and impersonation concerns.
• How did Mike Mills respond to being on the list?
  He responded with humor, suggesting it was likely not him and appreciating the joke.
• Is Morrissey currently active in music and touring?
  Yes, Morrissey released a new album Make-Up Is A Lie in 2026 and has announced European and UK tours, though some shows have been canceled due to health reasons.

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