Michael X - Part One: British Black Power | #445

Michael X - Part One: British Black Power | #445

From RedHanded by RedHanded

April 16, 2026 · 1h 12m · Episode 445

About this episode

This episode explores the life of Michael X, a con man who rose to prominence in the British Civil Rights Movement while exploiting those he claimed to help.

Malcolm X was a true revolutionary, Michael X was an imposter. This con man realised that politics was a lot easier than poetry and rose to the top of the British Civil Rights Movement. All the while violently exploiting the Windrush generation he claimed to be fighting for. John Lennon and Leonard Cohen were his biggest fans. They donated thousands to Michael X's projects that never actually happened. The press hung on his every word, quoting him as the most powerful black man in Europe. By the time Michael X's ego unravelled, it was too late for socialite Gale Benson to escape from his web. They would both pay the ultimate price for his lies. -- Patreon - Ad-free & Bonus Episodes YouTube - Full-length Video Episodes TikTok / Instagram

People in this episode

Host: RedHanded

Topics covered

  • British Civil Rights Movement
  • Michael X
  • Malcolm X
  • Windrush generation
  • political exploitation
  • socialite

Keywords

  • Michael X
  • Malcolm X
  • British Civil Rights
  • Windrush generation
  • political con man
  • John Lennon
  • Leonard Cohen

More episodes of RedHanded

Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the RedHanded podcast page.