Monkeyman superhero hoax

On May 2, 2003, local newspapers in Tunbridge Wells, Kent, England, published a story about mysterious "caped crusader" who appeared to be a real-life superhero. He was wearing a monkey mask and a cape, and had a large brown "O" emblazoned on his chest. He helped old ladies to cross the road, escorted people home from a pub, and saved people from harassing youths.

British media had a field day and even international news organizations got interested. The would-be-superhero was also mentioned on Have I Got News For You.

On May 16, 2003 the superhero was revealed to be a hoax, created by B3ta member "ccc" (Chris Shaw). He gives the details of his hoax in this interview, and admits that there never was a "Monkeyman" performing good deeds.

In a BBC interview, he reveals that the "O" on his chest was, in fact, a 'zero' meaning nothing at all.

See also

• Monkey-man of Delhi

External links

• Article from the Daily Telegraph
• Article from the Sun