Joshua Bonehill-Paine, once a notorious far-right figure convicted of multiple hate crimes, has been unmasked as the anonymous creator behind the viral political satire website, The Crewkerne Gazette. Despite his controversial history, Bonehill-Paine insists he has changed his ways and uses his platform to promote positive messages.
Bonehill-Paine, 33, who previously identified as a “proud antisemite” and served over five years in prison for inciting racial hatred and harassment—most notably against Jewish Labour MP Luciana Berger—has now gained considerable attention with his satirical videos, some of which have amassed tens of millions of views.
Originally from Yeovil, Somerset, Bonehill-Paine endured a turbulent youth marked by violent behavior, expulsion from school, and time in the care system where he witnessed abuse. After retraining academically, he briefly worked with the Conservative Party before a criminal record stalled his political ambitions.
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His early internet activities included publishing racist hoaxes and promoting a nationalist agenda through his blog The Daily Bale, where he openly expressed extremist and antisemitic views. These actions led to multiple convictions, including malicious communications and inciting racial hatred—charges that culminated in prison sentences and a reputation as one of Britain’s most notorious hate criminals.
Despite this dark past, Bonehill-Paine says he experienced a profound transformation during his time in prison. He recounts how reading the Bible and watching the Holocaust-themed film “The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas” evoked intense grief and shame about his previous beliefs. This emotional reckoning led him to reject his prior ideology and seek a different path.
Today, as the face of The Crewkerne Gazette under the persona “Crewkerne Man,” he commands a large online following drawn to his sharp, humorous political commentary. The Gazette has been praised by some as Britain’s leading satirical platform, generating hundreds of millions of views with videos lampooning public figures such as Angela Rayner and Kemi Badenoch.
Despite his satirical focus, Bonehill-Paine clarifies that neither he nor his platform endorses any political party or extreme viewpoints. Instead, he advocates for peaceful political engagement rather than violence, urging people to vote rather than resort to unrest.
Confronted about his past targeting of Baroness Luciana Berger, Bonehill-Paine expresses deep remorse. He calls his prior conduct “disgusting” and acknowledges the pain he caused, including the harassment and death threats Berger endured. While he has not reached out to her directly, he emphasizes his sincere regret and commits to combating antisemitism and extremism moving forward.
Bonehill-Paine insists that his recent efforts are genuine and ongoing, driven by personal conviction rather than public acclaim. As The Crewkerne Gazette continues to produce daily satirical content, he pledges to leverage his influence responsibly and promote positive community values.