A CHEEKY craftswoman has sparked hilarity by creating a real-life version of Police Scotland’s widely mocked “Hate Monster”.
Talented Rebekah Chapman, 32, brought the red cartoon character to life in opposition to SNP ministers’ controversial Hate Crime and Public Order Act.
Laws kicking in on April Fool’s Day include an offence of “stirring up hatred” – which previously only applied only to race – covering “protected characteristics” of age, disability, religion, sexual orientation, transgender identity and “variations in sex characteristics”.
And the angry-looking Hate Monster has prompted ridicule as part of a push by police and ministers to get people to make reports of hate crimes.
Rebekah, who is a member of the Scottish Feminist Network, said: “I was feeling rebellious and thought the monster would lend itself very well to being a Muppet.
“What better way to point out how ridiculous this legislation is, which essentially is going to stop people from speaking freely, than to come up with a Hate Monster Muppet.
“I watched the videos and found the campaign to be tremendously vague, beating around the bush and not speaking clearly.
“The Hate Monster graphic they made looks ridiculous which reflects the ridiculous legislation.
“I thought it was hilarious and completely crackers.”
The freelance designer and artist, of Shieldhill, near Falkirk, started planning her design last week as the Hate Monster was blasted on social media for being patronising and trivialising hate crimes.
She said: “I did a few sketches, the idea came a rush of unhinged creativity, before you know it I was down at Dunelm stocking up on fabric and bits and pieces.
“I’m a bit of a hoarder and have all sorts of craft supplies around the house. As a garment technologist I’ve cut a lot of patterns and thought it would be tremendously good fun so just went with it.
“I’ve ordered some more fabric and am going to give him a full body.”
But Rebekah remained tight-lipped on what it’s made from adding: “A magician never reveals their secrets so I’m afraid that one is top secret.”
After posting a picture of her creation online she has been inundated with requests from Hate Monster fans.
She said: “A lot of people have been in touch saying they’d like one of their own so I’m considering making some little baby Hate Monsters so everyone can have a little bit of hate to take home.
“He has a hard time telling lies and therefore struggles to comply with anything like self-ID rules or Hate Crime bills. He calls a spade a spade, and a man a man.
“My partner loves it and is full of sketches that we can film at home with the little Hate Monster. He is very supportive of me doing things like this to take the Mick of the legislation.
“We have a dog and two cats so we were already outnumbered, and the Hate Monster is just adding to that issue.
“There is an awful lot of pet hair going around this house now and now some of it is red.”
Rebekah has revealed her creation can perform a number of activities.
She said: “It’s operated as a sack puppet, like the Cookie Monster, so your hands go inside their hands.
“He can also be operated by poles, he’s very flexible and versatile. He can lend himself to a great deal of settings.
“I’ve been teaching him Rage Against The Machine lyrics and I think he’s going to have a go at launching his musical career by lip-synching a few of their songs.
“He’s got a sensitive side too. He is open to trying out in CBeebies.”
The Act was passed in 2021 by MSPs, after being taken through parliament by First Minister Humza Yousaf when he was Justice Secretary.
We told last week how a new Scottish Government and Police Scotland“Hate Hurts” awareness campaign was launched ahead of the April 1 kick-in date.
The separate Hate Monster push is prominent at the top of Police Scotland’s main hate crime page – one of the top Google results for anyone searching for hate crime laws in Scotland.
Despite the monster campaign being launched last year, it gained traction last week due to the new push and laws kicking in.