Why The PM’s Beth Rigby Rap Battle Exploded Online

New Delhi, December 2, 2025: A satirical video depicting the Prime Minister and Sky News Political Editor Beth Rigby engaged in a fictitious rap battle has gone hugely viral, becoming a prominent example of Artificial Intelligence (AI) reshaping political satire. The clip, created by a group known as The Crewkerne Gazette, was rapidly shared across social media, drawing massive attention and immediately sparking a debate over the effectiveness of AI in political comedy.

AI Satire Takes the Stage

The viral footage was a highly polished deepfake, utilizing AI technology to superimpose the faces and voices of the politicians onto a rap battle scenario. The Crewkerne Gazette, the creators behind the sensation, confirmed that the primary goal of their project is to use this new technology to satirise political figures in a manner that traditional shows, like Spitting Image, have failed to achieve recently.

The creators revealed that the video’s success was instantly evident due to its fresh, modern format. Unlike traditional satire, which may not resonate with younger demographics, AI-generated content delivered in a trending, musical format (like a rap battle) is proving to be incredibly effective at engaging younger audiences.

Also Read: Doorbell Footage of Masked ICE Agents Sparks National Concern

The Viral Recipe Is Revealed

When questioned about the video’s explosive virality, one of the anonymous creators stated that the AI format allowed for a more immediate and unfiltered critique of political happenings. Specifically, the rap battle satirized the PM’s recent interview with Beth Rigby, where he defended budget measures and insisted that manifesto pledges had not been broken by tax hikes.

The effectiveness of the satire was attributed to its ability to condense complex, often dry political arguments into a sharp, humorous, and instantly shareable format. The visual novelty of seeing well-known political figures in an utterly absurd scenario was also a major driver of engagement. The creators framed their output as the “new and improved Spitting Image” and a “much better Have I Got News For You.”

Anonymity and Free Speech Concerns

The success of the Crewkerne Gazette has been accompanied by a controversial stance on anonymity. One of the figures behind the group emphasized that their identities were being protected, stating that the project is about the output, not the individuals. More pointedly, concerns were raised about the increasingly restrictive environment for free speech and the perceived rise in arrests targeting comedians in the UK.

The anonymity of the creators was explicitly described as a “matter of safety,” underscoring the high-stakes political environment in which they are operating. This added layer of intrigue has further fueled the online discussion and the perception that the group is pushing boundaries with their AI-driven political commentary.