Joey Barton Guilty of Sending Offensive Social Media Posts

Joey Barton, the ex-footballer turned social commentator, has been convicted of sending offensive social media posts about Jeremy Vine, Lucy Ward, and Eni Aluko. The jury at Liverpool Crown Court determined that Barton had crossed the line between free speech and a crime with six posts he made on X.

Barton was found guilty of sending grossly offensive electronic communications with the intent to cause distress or anxiety. The posts targeted Jeremy Vine, a broadcaster, and Lucy Ward and Eni Aluko, TV pundits. Among the posts, Barton likened Ward and Aluko to the "Fred and Rose West of football commentary" and superimposed their faces onto a photograph of the serial murderers. He also tweeted that Aluko belonged in the "Joseph Stalin/Pol Pot category" for "murdering hundreds of thousands, if not millions, of football fans' ears."

Despite being cleared of some charges, Barton was convicted of posts that criticized diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) and linked to the Black Lives Matter movement. He also accused Jeremy Vine of having a sexual interest in children, using derogatory terms like "bike nonce" and referencing Epstein Island.

Barton, who has 2.7 million followers on X, will be sentenced on December 8. The Honorary Recorder of Liverpool, Andrew Menary KC, noted that Barton wore a Union Jack-patterned scarf during the verdict, which he described as a stunt to make a point. However, Barton will not be permitted to do so on the sentencing date.

Eni Aluko, one of the targets of Barton's posts, released a statement on social media, emphasizing the real-world consequences of online actions. She stated that the Crown Court guilty verdict serves as a reminder that words and actions on social media have real-world and criminal consequences. Aluko expressed gratitude for justice being served and acknowledged the distress and damage the posts caused to her life and career.