Katie Hopkins has defended her return to the Isle of Man after criticism from Manx Bard Bradley Chambers and a MHK ahead of her sold‑out show at the Gaiety Theatre.
Speaking shortly after arriving on the island, Hopkins said she was “grateful to islanders” for supporting her and accused her critics of trying to police what the public should be allowed to hear.
Hopkins said her mission was to “reclaim the public square so that everyone can speak their mind freely,” noting that her Gaiety show had sold out following a campaign by supporters.
Responding to criticism from Chambers and Dr Michelle Haywood MHK, Hopkins claimed both were “taxpayer‑funded” and suggested their objections were rooted in jealousy.
She argued that islanders were capable of making their own choices, saying it was “the rudest thing of all” to imply residents needed a “moral arbiter” to decide what they could listen to.
“People that want to hear me have bought a ticket. People who don’t want to hear me… have stayed home,” she said.
Hopkins also rejected claims she was anti‑LGBT, pointing out that her warm‑up act is gay and joking about including Clare Balding in her set.
She closed by thanking both supporters and detractors, saying she admired those who “can’t stand me” but still believe she should be allowed to speak.
