Senior figures from the Reform UK party have strongly condemned influencer Danny Karne, better known as “Danny Lambo,” after a controversial video emerged showing him and a group of friends joking about the murder of former politician Ann Widdecombe. The footage, which has been described by critics as deeply offensive and insensitive, showed the influencer creating a fake murder mystery-style scene beside an art installation that appeared to depict an elderly woman lying dead on the ground — an image many viewers felt resembled the circumstances surrounding Widdecombe’s death.

The video was filmed at Eastwell Manor Champneys hotel and spa in Kent, where guests were attending an arts festival featuring a conceptual artwork titled “Still Life. Woman on the floor” by artist Olivia Herring. The piece, created months before Widdecombe’s killing, shows an older woman lying among shopping bags and debris. However, after the murder of the 78-year-old former politician, many members of the public noted similarities between the artwork and the widely reported details surrounding her death.

Karne, who describes himself as an entrepreneur and playboy millionaire and has a significant social media following, used the artwork as the backdrop for a spoof “whodunit” video. In the footage, he joked about a fictional murder investigation, referring to the people around him as “suspects” and asking them who had killed the woman depicted in the artwork.

The video opened with Karne telling viewers that “a murder has taken place” at the venue before turning the camera toward the installation. He then introduced several of his friends while comparing them to celebrities, including names such as Sinitta, Alesha Dixon, Carl Cox and Moby. The group laughed as he continued the mock investigation, asking people whether they were responsible for the fictional crime.

At one point, Karne jokingly referred to the figure in the artwork as “Ann Whittingham” while saying “may she rest in peace,” a clear reference to Ann Widdecombe. The video concluded with the camera focusing once again on the artwork, showing the figure of the elderly woman lying on the floor.

The footage quickly attracted widespread criticism, with many accusing Karne and his friends of making light of a brutal killing. Reform UK leader Nigel Farage condemned the video, stating that the murder of Widdecombe was not something to be treated as entertainment. Deputy leader Richard Tice also criticised the group, describing their actions as disturbing and questioning the judgment of those involved.

The controversy has also renewed debate over whether the artwork itself should continue to be displayed. Some critics argued that the installation’s resemblance to the circumstances of Widdecombe’s death made it inappropriate to exhibit, while others defended the artist’s right to present challenging and uncomfortable work.

Karne later deleted the video and insisted that he never intended to mock Widdecombe’s actual death. He claimed that the purpose of the video was to comment on the unusual nature of the artwork rather than make fun of the murdered politician or her family.

He explained that he had seen the artwork several times during the exhibition and was initially shocked by it. However, after spending time with friends, drinking, and repeatedly seeing the installation, he said the situation began to feel more like an unusual piece of performance art rather than a direct representation of a real tragedy.

Karne expressed sympathy for Widdecombe’s family and said he hoped justice would be served. He insisted that he was not celebrating her death and argued that the context of the video had been misunderstood.

The artist behind the controversial installation, Olivia Herring, also criticized Karne’s video but defended the artwork itself. She described his actions as “disgusting and trashy,” accusing him of using her work for attention. However, she maintained that the artwork was created before Widdecombe’s murder and was never intended to represent a real-life killing.

Herring explained that the piece was designed to explore themes of consumerism, excess, and the idea of someone collapsing under the weight of material possessions. She acknowledged that people could interpret the image differently after learning about Widdecombe’s death, but argued that art is shaped by individual experiences and perspectives.

She said that if the artwork had been intended to portray a murder scene, it would have included obvious references such as violence, weapons, or blood. Instead, she said the installation was meant to encourage discussion about society and modern consumption.

Despite the backlash, Herring stated that she had no plans to remove the artwork from future exhibitions. She argued that uncomfortable reactions are often part of the purpose of art and that disagreement does not necessarily mean a piece should be censored.

The incident has created controversy across political and entertainment circles, raising questions about the limits of humor, social media responsibility, and the relationship between controversial art and public sensitivity. While Karne defended his actions as a misunderstood joke about an unusual artwork, critics argued that the timing and subject matter showed a lack of respect toward a woman whose death had shocked many people.