Key Highlights
- A new billboard featuring Freddie Mercury has been unveiled in Liverpool with the message “Thank God for Immigrants.”
- The campaign is part of an initiative by art and activism collective Everyone Hates Elon, inspired by Jeremy Deller’s work.
- This move comes amid rising anti-migrant sentiment in the UK.
- Everyone Hates Elon emphasizes that immigrants contribute to British society in various ways beyond fame or wealth.
New Freddie Mercury Billboard Celebrates Immigrant Contributions in Liverpool
A new billboard featuring the late Queen frontman Freddie Mercury has been unveiled in Liverpool, part of a broader campaign by art and activism collective Everyone Hates Elon to celebrate immigrant contributions. The message on the billboard reads “Thank God for Immigrants,” echoing the group’s previous work inspired by Jeremy Deller.
Background and Inspiration
The initiative is rooted in a broader movement that seeks to challenge negative narratives surrounding immigration. According to the collective, they received support from Jeremy Deller, an artist known for his works that promote solidarity with migrants. In September 2025, Deller created a series expressing this theme and even featured George Michael and Andrew Ridgeley of Wham! on a billboard in London.
Everyone Hates Elon announced the action on Instagram, highlighting how Freddie Mercury came to the UK as a child due to the violence he faced back home in Zanzibar. The group emphasizes that becoming British is not just about fame or wealth but about building a life and contributing positively to society.
Rising Anti-Migrant Sentiment
The unveiling of this billboard comes at a time when anti-migrant sentiment has been on the rise in the UK. In September 2025, Tommy Robinson’s “Unite the Kingdom” march saw over 100,000 people turn out, with footage showing attendees singing Queen’s classic “We Are the Champions.”
Nigel Farage’s party Reform UK is currently polling first place in recent polls, advocating for the deportation of up to 600,000 migrants if they come to power. This political climate has provided a backdrop against which Everyone Hates Elon’s campaign seeks to shine a light on the contributions of immigrants.
Previous Actions and Future Implications
Everyone Hates Elon’s previous actions have included unfurling banners featuring Donald Trump and Jeffrey Epstein together at Windsor Castle during Trump’s recent visit. They also protested against Tesla, advocating for a reduction in wealth inequality through creative acts like destroying one of the electric vehicles.
The group argues that people across the country revere icons like those featured on their billboards but are expected to blame immigrants for societal problems. They contend that this is a distraction tactic by the rich and powerful, aimed at shifting public focus from the real issues affecting society.
“People across the country worship icons like the ones on our billboards,” said a spokesperson for Everyone Hates Elon. “Yet, we are expected to blame immigrants for our problems. It’s a disgusting distraction tactic by the rich and powerful.” The group encourages people to save their anger for those truly responsible for issues such as disappearing GP appointments and rip-off bills: billionaires and their politician friends.
The campaign reflects broader efforts to challenge stereotypes and promote understanding of immigration in the UK, highlighting that contributions come from all walks of life, not just celebrities or business magnates.
