Steve Coogan Slams 'Pantomime Villain' Portrayal in Post Office Scandal: 'They're Determined to Destroy Me'
Steve Coogan slams 'pantomime villain' portrayal

Steve Coogan has launched a blistering attack on what he describes as a coordinated effort to paint him as the "pantomime villain" in the ongoing Post Office Horizon IT scandal controversy. The acclaimed actor and comedian claims powerful forces within the media are determined to "destroy" him through misrepresentation.

The Unfair Characterisation

In an exclusive and emotional interview, Coogan revealed the personal toll of being persistently misrepresented in coverage of the scandal. "They've created this cartoon version of me," he stated, "a pantomime villain who's somehow responsible for everything that's gone wrong. It's a deliberate character assassination."

A Career Under Fire

The BAFTA-winning performer, best known for his iconic character Alan Partridge, expressed frustration that his legitimate concerns and involvement are being twisted beyond recognition. "I've spent decades building my career and reputation, only to have certain media outlets try to tear it down overnight with this false narrative," Coogan explained.

The Human Cost

Coogan became visibly emotional when discussing the impact on his personal life and professional relationships. "When they paint you as this monster, it affects everything - your friendships, your work opportunities, your mental health. They're not just attacking my public persona; they're attacking the real me."

Fighting Back Against the Narrative

The comedian remains determined to clear his name and set the record straight. "I won't be silenced or bullied into submission. The truth matters, and I'm prepared to keep fighting until people understand what's really happening here."

Coogan's passionate defence comes amid growing scrutiny of all parties involved in the Post Office scandal, which saw hundreds of sub-postmasters wrongly accused of theft due to faulty computer software.