Beano accuse Jacob Rees-Mogg of ripping off Walter the Softy

The Beano has sent a cease-and-desist order to Jacob Rees-Mogg, claiming he’s clearly based his ‘personality’ on the comic’s character Walter Brown aka Walter the Softy

Article by Jamie Dunn | 04 Apr 2018

Many people are of the opinion that blowhard Tory politician, arch Brexiteer, and all-round shitbag Jacob Rees-Mogg is a cartoon character, and now the makers of the Beano have some damning evidence to support the claim. The creators of the Dundee-based comic allege that the MP for North East Somerset has been masquerading for years as one of their creations: Dennis the Menace’s arch nemesis Walter Brown, aka Walter the Softy.

“It is evident that there are numerous instances whereby you have adopted trademarked imagery and brand essences of the character to the benefit of enhancing your career and popularity,” states Mike Stirling, head of Beano Studios, in an open cease-and-desist letter to Rees-Mogg. “This constitutes a clear infringement of our copyright.”

Stirling then goes on to list the ways in which Rees-Mogg has ripped-off Walter, who was created in 1953, a good 16 years before Rees-Mogg was born. The evidence includes Rees-Mogg and Walter’s shared enjoyment of classical music (because they think it makes them seem clever); identical hair parting, glasses and dress sense; bullish behaviour with peers that stops others from having fun; and a general snottiness.

Beano end their letter to Rees-Mogg with a request to cease-and-desist and a warning of getting Teacher involved which should send a shiver down Rees-Mogg's spine (if he has one). “We firmly request that you cease and desist in your ongoing impersonation of the character, which remains the exclusive property of Beano Studios. A swift response on this matter would be greatly appreciated to avoid getting Teacher involved.”

Rees-Mogg has now responded to the Beano’s accusations on Twitter, saying “I am flattered to be accused by the Beano's legal eagles of imitating Walter the Softy whose powerful physical prowess is so much greater than my own.”