Graffiti mocking a range of UK celebrities has appeared in West Denton, Newcastle, drawing praise from social media users who called the writings "gems". The public artworks target figures including Lorraine Kelly, Danny Dyer, Rita Ora, Dermot O'Leary and Jade Thirlwall from Little Mix.
Unusual messages daubed on walls
The writings range from legally dubious to funny, but all are deeply bizarre. Walls are daubed with phrases including, "Jessie J doesn't donate 10p to charity at the checkout", "Jade Thirlwall buys makeup from Poundland", and "Lorraine Kelly is barred from Wetherspoons for stealing cutlery."
Almost as quickly as it appeared, most of the writing was covered over with white paint. Undeterred, the secret painter returned to say: "Danny Dyer Smokes Parma Violet Vapes". London singer-songwriter Rose Gray's lyrics are also referred to in underpass graffiti between West Denton Way and Cornhill.
Social media speculation
Social media has been awash with ideas on who the culprit might be. On X, Gary Morrison said: "These gems can't be a kid, they are all gems for people around 35 to 45." Another post said: "Neat writing and they're all about other women judging by the names. I would hazard a guess and say that a woman did it."
Other graffiti works include "Rita Ora has the Lidl Plus App," "RIP Bonnie Tyler, Total Eclipse of our 'eart'", "Stacey Soloman gives Joe a sticker for helping with the dishes" and "Alesha Dixon made bairns cry at the Hoppings."
Council action
A statement from a Newcastle City Council spokesperson said the authority was aware of the graffiti and taking action to remove it.
