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Devon and Cornwall Police drop investigation into Katie Hopkins

Max Thompson

23 November 2025

Article by Connie Shaw, External Affairs Officer

In May earlier this year, Katie Hopkins was threatened with arrest by Devon and Cornwall Police if she failed to attend an interview under caution. Her crime? Using the word ‘spaz’ to describe herself. Not someone else – herself. She made the comment on her own weekly Instagram livestream, “Katie’s Arms”, a virtual comedy pub night she started during lockdown. 

After being investigated for six months, Devon and Cornwall Police said they would be taking no further action. For six months Katie had been told that charges were pending, expected to be under section 127 of the Communications Act, i.e. “grossly offensive” communications.

The Free Speech Union provided Katie with a solicitor who supported her every step of the way. She attended the interview under protest in order to avoid arrest, and refused to answer questions. 

In a video addressing the investigation, Katie quite rightly said "It is ridiculous that my comedic speech is subject to a criminal investigation, and as such, my presence here is ridiculous… My audience choose to join me on my Instagram channel live. If anyone was offended, that is their choice.”

She kindly thanked Lord Young of Acton and the Free Speech Union for our “support and commitment to my free speech and that of others", adding “most legal types won't touch me in case they catch cancel-culture off me" and encouraged others to join the FSU. 

We are delighted that there will be no further action against Katie. The Free Speech Union exists to defend everyone’s right to free speech - whether at work, at university, or even during a virtual comedy night.

Read more in DevonLive.