Dan Wootton, former GB News host and tabloid regular, now faces serious claims in the High Court. A former colleague has accused him of catfishing—allegedly pretending to be a woman named Maria Joseph to solicit sexual images. According to the court, the messages began in 2010 and involved fake photos, explicit exchanges, and a video of strangers engaged in sex. The claimant, referred to as YXN, says the deception caused lasting psychological harm.

Judge Roger Eastman ruled to keep the claimant’s identity protected. Lawyers say Wootton misused trust and inflicted emotional damage. Wootton has not issued a formal defense. He denies the accusations.

The Burner Account Allegations Go Further

This is not the first time Wootton has faced questions about fake identities. He has been linked to a pseudonym—Martin Branning—used to message and manipulate others for explicit content. A 28-page dossier was given to police in 2023 outlining similar claims from multiple men. Those who came forward said the alias offered large sums of money for intimate images.

Despite police investigations, no criminal charges followed. Now, civil proceedings have brought the matter back to public attention.

Dan Wootton Has a Pattern

Wootton has spent years using his media platforms to attack women under the guise of commentary. His reporting on Caroline Flack was one of the most disturbing examples. The relentless tabloid harassment contributed to her mental health crisis. After her death, Wootton posted a performative tribute. Many saw it as hypocritical. His coverage had been part of the campaign that drove her to despair.

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Caroline Flack, who once dated Prince Harry, was targeted by tabloids before her tragic death.

He also gave airtime to men who shared his taste for cruelty. Laurence Fox, who once asked live on air, “What self-respecting man would want to sleep with that woman?” used Wootton’s GB News show as a stage for vile rants. He dismissed feminism, mocked gender equality, and reduced women to targets of ridicule. Wootton offered no pushback. He laughed along.

Laurence Fox, once known for acting and now a far-right figure, faces criminal charges under the Sexual Offences Act.

He has also given airtime to royal commentators and YouTubers who profit from attacking Meghan Sussex. According2Taz, a known Meghan-hate account, appeared on his GB News show. Together, they mocked Meghan Sussex, calling her “D-list” and ridiculing her appearance and work. He also defended Jeremy Clarkson after his hateful remarks about Meghan. The pattern is clear. The women may change, but the cruelty doesn’t.

In court, the details were unsettling. The claimant thought he was engaging with a real woman. He received flirtatious messages and fake images. Encouraged by what he believed was interest, he sent explicit photos and a video. Only later did he learn Maria Joseph never existed.

The messages, the photos, the manipulation—according to his lawyer—were part of a scheme led by Wootton. Now the claimant is seeking damages for the harm he says this caused. Psychiatric injury is part of his claim. Wootton remains publicly silent and has yet to submit a formal defense.

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This Case Is Bigger Than One Man

The scandal exposes more than just personal misconduct. It highlights the toxic power some media figures hold. Dan Wootton built his platform by pushing boundaries and hurting others. His methods were not about holding power to account. They were about using power to humiliate.

So let’s not forget what Wootton has done. He helped destroy lives, fueled hate, defended abusers and gave platforms to people who profit from bullying women. And now, with catfishing claims before the High Court, that legacy is harder to ignore.

The case continues. But the damage has already been done.

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