"From hobo to hero": Tommy Robinson's dramatic makeover stuns social media
Tommy Robinson has been released from prison early, and his striking new look has captured just as much attention as his sudden freedom.
The 42-year-old, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, walked out of HMP Woodhill on Tuesday (May 27) after the High Court last week reduced his 18-month civil contempt of court sentence by four months.
Sporting longer hair, a bushy beard, and a rosary around his neck, Robinson looked nearly unrecognisable as he recorded a video message outside the prison. He announced plans to hold a 'free speech festival' in London later this year, wearing a red MEGA hat – a British spin on the US MAGA slogan.
Robinson's transformation was short-lived, however. Hours after his release, he was filmed getting a haircut and shave, jokingly dubbed in a social media clip: 'From hobo to hero.
The man is back.' He appeared to settle on a short pompadour style, which fans in the comment section widely praised.
One user commented, 'Who is that guy. Looking good man!' A second user said, 'You look great now. It's admirable that no matter how many times the government, justice system, police and mainstream media try to knock it down you get straight back up laughing.'
Few others even joked how the beard looked suited Robinson and said that they were bummed that he got his hair cut.
One person joked, 'Love you man its great to have you back! Although 'Hobo Hero' is an awesome moniker.'
What's ahead for Robinson?
Robinson was initially set for release on July 26. However, the judge agreed to cut his sentence short after receiving assurances that he would comply with the 2021 injunction, which bars him from repeating his allegations against a Syrian teenager.
The Syrian refugee, who had successfully sued Robinson for libel over the claims, obtained the injunction in 2021.
To secure his early release, Robinson was also required to take steps to reduce his custodial time, including removing social media posts in which he repeated the false claims.
Robinson was jailed in October after admitting multiple breaches of the injunction. But he still faces two additional court cases: on June 5, he's due at Westminster Magistrates' Court accused of harassing two journalists, and in October 2026, he'll stand trial for allegedly failing to provide the PIN for his phone when stopped by police.
As soon as he walked out, Robinson didn't hold back in his 27-minute video outside the prison gates. He claimed his family had been receiving death threats and thanked Elon Musk for his support. Musk, who owns social media platform X, has previously spoken out in favour of Robinson's release.
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