John Cleese wades into Henry Nowak row with blistering swipe at Keir Starmer over 'two-tier policing'

The comedian and actor weighed in on the growing political row after riots erupted in the city following the release of police bodycam footage showing the final moments of the 18-year-old university student.

Responding on X to a clip of Sir Keir condemning the disorder in Parliament, Mr Cleese wrote: "Unlikely he will admit that the anger was caused by his cabinet's appalling incompetence, and the two-tier policing they imposed.

"Nothing good will happen till he's gone."

The Prime Minister had told MPs: "No matter the pain we feel, there is no justification for more violence and disorder."

He added: "The attacks directed towards police officers in Southampton last night were disgraceful and completely unacceptable. This is a time for serious work, not rage."

Mr Starmer also vowed that those involved in the unrest would face consequences, saying: "We will ensure anyone found engaging in disorder meets the full force of the law."

In a separate post, Mr Cleese doubled down on his criticism, arguing that Government policies and policing decisions were ultimately responsible for the unrest.

"It's unfair government policies and totally misguided policing that causes riots. Then they try to blame the people who are pointing out their uselessness," he wrote.

The controversy comes after more than 1,000 demonstrators gathered outside Southampton Central Police Station demanding justice for Mr Nowak, who was stabbed to death by Vickrum Digwa in December last year.

The protest began peacefully with a minute's silence for the teenager before descending into disorder, with riot police targeted by bottles, bins and other projectiles.

Unlikely he will admit that the anger was caused by his cabinet's appalling incompetence, and the two-tier policing they imposed

Nothing good will happen till he's gone https://t.co/mVINV8srhE

— John Cleese (@JohnCleese) June 3, 2026

Officers reported that 11 police officers and a police dog were injured during the clashes.

Public anger intensified after police released bodycam footage showing officers handcuffing Mr Nowak after Digwa falsely claimed he had been racially abused.

The footage showed the teenager repeatedly telling officers he had been stabbed and could not breathe.

Digwa, 23, was jailed for life with a minimum term of 21 years after being convicted of murder.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct continues to investigate the actions of officers involved in Mr Nowak's arrest.

Mr Cleese is far from the only celebrity to wade into the ongoing debate surrounding the circumstances and fallout from Mr Nowak's death.

Loose Women star Nadia Sawalha came under fire on Thursday for suggesting Reform UK leader Nigel Farage was "mock caring" for the deceased teen after he suggested the public should react with "cold rage".

Meanwhile, Sharon Osbourne similarly went public with her opinions on the horrific ordeal, pleading for "justice" for Mr Nowak.

Mobland star Geoff Bell also pulled no punches when he took to Instagram to share his thoughts.

The actor said the police and Government should be "ashamed" following Mr Nowak's killing.