Influencer sparks backlash over ‘disgusting’ video ‘mocking Ann Widdecombe’s dying’

WARNING, DISTRESSING CONTENT: Influencer Danny Lambo has triggered a fierce backlash after sharing a ‘disgusting’ video allegedly poking fun at an artwork resembling Ann Widdecombe

A self-proclaimed “playboy millionaire” has caused an uproar after uploading a video of himself and friends allegedly joking about the death of Ann Widdecombe. Social media personality Danny Lambo filmed a mock murder mystery scene at a Kent hotel while standing next to an art installation.

The exhibit, which features an elderly woman lying on the floor, appears to bear a resemblance to the late politician. In the clip, the Instagram influencer, whose real name is Danny Karne, questioned his group about who had killed the 78-year-old, mispronouncing her surname as “Whittingham.”

He posted the video online with the caption: “Who killed Ann Widdecombe (RIP)?” The former MP was found dead at her home in Haytor, Devon, on July 8 with serious head injuries.

Lambo’s stunt was filmed during an arts festival at the Eastwell Manor Champneys hotel and spa. In the now-deleted video, Lambo joked: “We are here at Eastwell Manor where a murder has taken place.”

Panning across his friends, he gave them celebrity nicknames before turning to one woman and stating: “[She] is our prime suspect. You know these Iranians. They’re always killing someone, somewhere.”

He then pointed at another guest and asked: “Any blood on the trousers?” Later in the footage, he said: “Who killed Ann Whittingham, may she rest in peace. Which one of this motley crew killed Ann Whittingham?”

The video has attracted a strong backlash from political figures. Reform UK leader Nigel Farage told the Daily Mail: “The terrible murder of Ann Widdecombe is no joke. These people are sick.”

The party’s deputy leader Richard Tice added: “This looks to be a bunch of sick people laughing and joking about the brutal killing of a woman loved by millions. What has happened to our country? This is not art, it is just disgusting.” Referring to the installation, Tice said: “Most people would view this not as art but just sick.”

Created in March by artist Olivia Herring, the installation, titled “Still Life. Woman on the floor”, was intended to portray someone collapsing “beneath the debris of consumption and luxury.”

Responding to Lambo’s video, Herring said: “It’s disgusting and trashy. This is nothing but a Z-list celebrity trying to get some publicity by trying to cash in on my artwork. I’m very angry by this video and the conduct of Mr Lambo.

“I can understand why people are comparing it to Ann Widdecombe’s death. But if I had wanted to represent that then I would have done something using a hammer and blood.” She added: “If people find it distasteful then that’s their opinion. That doesn’t mean it should be censored and not shown.”

Lambo later claimed he did not intend to cause harm. He told the Mail: “I was a guest at this art show and the display was a surprise not pre-advertised as such.

“We are mocking the absurdity of the art display of her death – not her actual horrific death. As you can hear in the video I even say ‘may she rest in peace’ to bring some reality into it also.

“I also discussed with others attending the art show if it was in poor taste or the freedom of expression that art is all about.” He added: “My condolences to Ann and her family. May they receive the justice she and they deserve. May her killer face justice.”

Joshua Kerry, 28, from South Yorkshire, has been charged with her murder. A provisional trial date has been listed for June 8 next year.

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