Manners and Josh Pieters: The Art of the High-Stakes YouTube Prank
In the landscape of modern digital content, few creators blend social commentary with elaborate deception as effectively as Manners and Josh Pieters. Moving beyond simple jump-scares, this duo specializes in complex, long-form pranks that often target public figures and institutional norms, turning the act of deception into a form of performance art on YouTube.
Key Facts
- Creators: Manners and Josh Pieters.
- Primary Platform: YouTube.
- Notable Targets: Katie Hopkins, Carole Baskin, and Suella Braverman.
- Methodology: Creating fictitious entities, awards, and scenarios to trick high-profile individuals.
Early Experiments and Public Stunts
The duo first gained attention for their ability to manipulate consumer and public perception. In September 2019, they launched a fake restaurant on the delivery platform Deliveroo called The Italian Stallion. Marketed as an experiment, the restaurant delivered microwavable meals. Demonstrating a commitment to the experimental nature of the project, they returned all profits earned from the venture.
Shortly after, in November 2019, they shifted their focus to celebrity culture during the KSI vs. Logan Paul II boxing match. By utilizing a convincing lookalike, they successfully fooled several attendees into believing that Ed Sheeran was present at the event.
Targeting Public Figures and Political Personalities
Manners and Pieters are perhaps best known for their elaborate psychological traps involving political and controversial figures. In January 2020, they targeted far-right commentator Katie Hopkins. The pair convinced Hopkins to fly to Prague to accept the "Campaign to Unify the Nation Trophy," a completely fictitious award.
The prank culminated in Hopkins delivering a speech in front of a backdrop where the initials of the award formed a prominent swear word. The video was uploaded to YouTube on the same day Hopkins was suspended from Twitter for violating anti-hate rules.
Their targets often include individuals in the public eye who are prone to seeking validation or media attention. In May 2020, they tricked Carole Baskin, the CEO of Big Cat Rescue, into believing she was participating in an interview for The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.
Recent Activism and Political Satire
As their channel evolved, the duo began incorporating more direct political satire and disruption. In July 2023, they intervened in an event organized by the environmental activist group Just Stop Oil.
Later that year, in December 2023, they executed a prank on Conservative MP Suella Braverman. They convinced her to accept the "Dick Of The Year Award" from the Channel 4 comedy program The Last Leg, an award for which viewers of the show had voted her as the recipient.
| Date | Target/Project | The Prank |
|---|---|---|
| September 2019 | Deliveroo Users | Created "The Italian Stallion" fake microwavable meal restaurant. |
| November 2019 | Boxing Match Attendees | Used an Ed Sheeran lookalike to fool fans. |
| January 2020 | Katie Hopkins | Fake "Campaign to Unify the Nation" award in Prague. |
| May 2020 | Carole Baskin | Fake interview for The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. |
| July 2023 | Just Stop Oil | Disruption of a group event. |
| December 2023 | Suella Braverman | Fake "Dick Of The Year Award" from The Last Leg. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What was The Italian Stallion?
The Italian Stallion was a fake restaurant created by Manners and Josh Pieters in September 2019 via Deliveroo to test the delivery of microwavable meals as a social experiment.
How did they prank Katie Hopkins?
They convinced her to travel to Prague to receive a fake award called the "Campaign to Unify the Nation Trophy," with the award's initials forming a swear word in the background of her speech.
Who is Carole Baskin and how was she pranked?
Carole Baskin is the CEO of Big Cat Rescue. In May 2020, she was led to believe she was being interviewed for The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.
What award did Suella Braverman accept?
Suella Braverman was pranked into accepting the "Dick Of The Year Award" from the Channel 4 comedy show The Last Leg after viewers voted for her.
Did Manners and Josh Pieters keep the money from their fake restaurant?
No, they returned all of the profit generated from The Italian Stallion venture.