A Newcastle councillor has condemned bizarre graffiti targeting celebrities that has appeared in West Denton, urging anyone with information to report those responsible to police. Walls around the suburb have been painted with a series of random slurs and strange comments about famous names including Lorraine Kelly, Danny Dyer, Rita Ora, Dermot O'Leary and Little Mix's Jade Thirlwall.
Some of the slogans contained lewd phrases about the celebrities, while others were more light-hearted but equally puzzling. One said: "Jessie J doesn't donate 10p to charity at the checkout." Another declared: "Jade Thirlwall buys makeup from Poundland." There was also one saying: "Lorraine Kelly is barred from Wetherspoons for stealing cutlery."
Council action and repeat incidents
Newcastle City Council said its staff had been working to remove the graffiti. However, after some was painted over, the mystery artist returned to write a series of new phrases.
Coun Peter Lovatt, the authority's Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods and Local Services, has urged anyone who knows who is responsible to report them to police. He said: "We are aware of the graffiti in West Denton and have taken immediate action to ensure it is removed as quickly as possible. This type of graffiti is unacceptable. It damages public spaces, blights our communities and creates an unnecessary cost to taxpayers through the resources required to remove it."
Police warning and public speculation
Lovatt added: "It is a form of criminal damage and a recordable offence. Anyone responsible for vandalising property could face police action, including arrest and prosecution. We would urge anyone with information about those responsible to report it to Northumbria Police. The council has a zero-tolerance approach to offensive graffiti and will always act swiftly to remove it."
People on social media have been speculating about who could be behind the unusual ramblings. On X, Gary Morrison said: "These gems can't be a kid, they are all gems for people around 35 to 45." While 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 included: "Rita Ora has the Lidl Plus App," "RIP Bonnie Tyler, Total Eclipse of our 'heart'," "Stacey Solomon gives Joe a sticker for helping with the dishes," and "Alesha Dixon made bairns cry at the Hoppings."
