Adam Willett, a 35-year-old tattoo artist from Braintree, Essex, has reported receiving a torrent of abusive and threatening messages after he filmed a group of men erecting a St George's flag on a lamppost outside his home. The incident occurred on Sunday, April 19, when Mr Willett asked the individuals to stop and recorded the confrontation, which has since gone viral with nearly 1.5 million views.
Confrontation and motives questioned
Mr Willett said he initially asked the men to remove the flag and questioned their reasons for putting it up. He noted that they claimed to love the flag but could not provide a clear explanation for their actions. He expressed concern that some people may have ulterior motives beyond genuine patriotism, particularly given the timing of recent demonstrations involving asylum seekers. Braintree, he said, is a predominantly white area but includes diverse residents, and he hears from people affected by such divisions.
Abuse and threats
Since the video was posted online, Mr Willett has been subjected to a barrage of hateful messages, including one suggesting his pregnant partner should be raped by migrants. His workplace has also received fake negative reviews, with one falsely accusing him of inappropriate conduct with a minor. He has been called a traitor, subjected to homophobic slurs, and told he should be hanged. There is no evidence linking the men who erected the flag to these messages.
Support and police involvement
Despite the abuse, Mr Willett has also received significant support, including from ex-servicemen and women who thanked him for his stance. He has urged the local council to remove all flags from street furniture on safety grounds and has reported the threats to Essex Police, who confirmed an investigation is underway. A petition has been launched to support his call for action.
