On Tuesday, a jury at Liverpool Crown Court convicted professional footballer Joey Barton of sending multiple grossly offensive social media messages. The former Premier League footballer and social commentary was banned for 8 weeks. The jury had convicted him on all six counts. He had sent, likely in violation of the Communications Decency Act, grossly offensive electronic communications intended to cause distress or anxiety. The trolling posts were widely aimed at prominent LGBTQ+ individuals in broadcasting, sports commentary including Jeremy Vine, Lucy Ward and Eni Aluko.
The court was told that Barton posted a number of tweets that disparaged the parties. Those tweets drew some outrageous comparisons to violent felonies. In one example, he denigrated Aluko by saying she was “just there to tick boxes,” disparaging her as a diversity initiative staffer. He likened Ward and Aluko to the infamous murderers Fred and Rose West in a post on X, stating they were the “Fred and Rose West of football commentary.”
Beyond these comments, Barton threw some truly unacceptable insults towards Vine. He accused Vine of being a “bike nonce.” He asked if Vine has been to Epstein Island, suggesting terrifying undertones regarding his moral character. One of his tweets stated: “Oh @theJeremyVine Did you Rolf-aroo and Schofield go out on a tandem bike ride?” These statements, as determined by the victims, were completely damaging to their victims’ lives and careers.
The jury acquitted Barton on three tweets related to Vine. The tone and content of his posts went far beyond, igniting a national outcry over behavior on the internet. On seeing Barton’s Union Jack patterned scarf when the verdicts were returned, Andrew Menary KC, the Honorary Recorder of Liverpool, remarked. He said that this outfit decision could very well be a publicity stunt intended to elicit this exact reaction.
Barton was released on bail pending his sentencing, which is scheduled for December 8. In response to the guilty verdict, Eni Aluko shared her thoughts for relief that the campaign received justice but that accountability was extended for actions online.
“The crown court guilty verdict today is a reminder that actions and words online do not come without real world and criminal consequences.” – Eni Aluko
Aluko went on to call social media a “cesspit,” where people say things that they would never say face-to-face. She remarked on the impact of Barton’s posts, saying:
“The posts directed at me, Lucy Ward and Jeremy Vine by Joey Barton were deeply distressing and had a real damaging impact on my life and career. I am thankful justice has been served.” – Eni Aluko
The case underscores the possible consequences of one’s online conduct, especially for those with large followings. Barton has about 2.7 million followers on X, where he frequently uses the platform to spread misinformation and attack anyone who questions him.
Barton’s conviction brings to light an important reality. Freedom of speech does not exempt people from being held accountable for their speech. The court’s ruling is a sign of an increasing awareness that indeed there are potentially dangerous, terrible consequences involved with harmful online speech.
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