Carl Benjamin, the man more widely recognized by his online pseudonym “Sargon of Akkad,” has carved out a significant and often controversial space in the digital landscape. A prominent British YouTuber, political commentator, and one-time political hopeful, Benjamin has been a central figure in numerous online debates and cultural clashes over the past decade. His journey from a critic of feminism and video game journalism to a UKIP European Parliament candidate and host of his own podcast platform, “Lotus Eaters,” is a testament to the evolving nature of online influence and political discourse.
Who is Carl Benjamin? Defining a Digital Provocateur
At his core, Carl Benjamin is a political commentator who gained prominence through his YouTube channel, “Sargon of Akkad.” Launched in 2013, the channel initially focused on a range of topics, but it was his critique of feminism, identity politics, and what he termed “social justice warriors” (SJWs) that garnered him a substantial following. His online persona is named after the ancient Akkadian emperor, a choice he has said reflects his interest in history and the rise and fall of civilizations.
Benjamin often describes himself as a “classical liberal” or a “skeptic,” emphasizing his support for free speech, individualism, and reason. However, his views and associations have led many media outlets and critics to label him as right-wing or even far-right. He was a vocal supporter of Brexit and has expressed critical views on Islam and immigration. His content typically takes the form of long-form video essays, live streams, and interviews, where he dissects news events, cultural trends, and political ideologies.
The Rise to Prominence: Gamergate and Anti-Feminist Commentary
Carl Benjamin’s ascent to internet fame is inextricably linked to the online controversy known as Gamergate, which erupted in 2014. Gamergate was a complex and multifaceted online campaign ostensibly about ethics in video game journalism. However, it quickly became a flashpoint for broader cultural debates surrounding feminism, political correctness, and the role of identity politics in popular culture.
Benjamin emerged as a key voice within the Gamergate movement, producing numerous videos that criticized what he saw as the undue influence of feminist ideology on video game development and journalism.
His critiques resonated with a large audience of gamers and individuals who felt alienated by what they perceived as a progressive shift in the gaming industry. It was during this period that he solidified his reputation as a prominent anti-feminist commentator, a label he has not shied away from.
A Foray into Formal Politics: The UKIP Candidacy
In 2018, Carl Benjamin took his political commentary from the digital realm to the real world by joining the UK Independence Party (UKIP). His move into formal politics was seen by many as a natural progression of his online activism. In the 2019 European Parliament election, he stood as a candidate for UKIP in the South West England constituency.
His campaign, however, was plagued by controversy. Media attention largely focused on past statements he had made, particularly a 2016 tweet directed at Labour MP Jess Phillips in which he stated, “I wouldn’t even rape you.” Despite facing widespread condemnation and calls to be deselected, Benjamin refused to apologize, defending his comments as a “joke” and a form of “bad taste” humor intended to mock what he saw as her own provocative statements.
Ultimately, his political ambitions were unsuccessful. UKIP’s share of the vote in the South West England constituency plummeted, and Benjamin failed to win a seat. His foray into electoral politics highlighted the significant challenges that online personalities face when attempting to transition their digital influence into mainstream political success.
Major Controversies and Criticisms
Carl Benjamin’s career has been punctuated by numerous controversies that have drawn significant criticism from various quarters. Beyond the infamous comments directed at Jess Phillips, he has faced accusations of promoting conspiracy theories, using inflammatory language, and associating with other controversial figures on the right.
His commentary on topics such as the Black Lives Matter movement, Islam, and transgender rights has been particularly divisive. Critics argue that his rhetoric contributes to a toxic online environment and can be seen as a gateway to more extreme ideologies. He has also been criticized for his past associations with figures on the alt-right, although he has publicly disavowed the movement.
Despite the criticism, Benjamin maintains a dedicated following that views him as a courageous truth-teller who is unafraid to challenge prevailing orthodoxies. His supporters often defend his controversial statements as satire or as necessary provocations in the “culture war.”
Recent Trends and Activities (as of 2025)
In the years following his unsuccessful political campaign, Carl Benjamin has shifted his focus towards building his own media platform. He is the founder and a primary host of “Lotus Eaters,” a website and podcast platform that produces daily content on news, politics, and culture from a right-leaning perspective.
As of 2025, “Lotus Eaters” has become the central hub of Benjamin’s online presence. The platform features a roster of hosts and contributors who share a similar ideological outlook. The content is often critical of mainstream media narratives and what they perceive as the excesses of progressive politics. This move represents a broader trend among online commentators to create independent platforms to circumvent what they see as censorship and demonetization on mainstream social media sites like YouTube.
His influence continues to be a subject of debate. While his direct engagement with mainstream politics has lessened, his platform allows him to consistently reach a dedicated audience with his political and cultural commentary.
Real-Life Examples of Impact and Controversy
The Jess Phillips Comments: The 2016 tweet and subsequent doubling down on his comments about raping MP Jess Phillips had a significant real-world impact. It led to widespread media coverage, condemnation from across the political spectrum, and became a central and damaging feature of his 2019 European Parliament campaign.
The “Milkshaking” Incidents: During his 2019 campaign, Benjamin was targeted by protesters who threw milkshakes at him on several occasions. These incidents, while condemned by many, were also seen by some as a physical manifestation of the intense animosity his political views and rhetoric engendered.
De-platforming and Monetization Issues: Like many other controversial online figures, Benjamin has faced challenges with de-platforming and demonetization on major social media platforms. These experiences have been a driving force behind his creation of the “Lotus Eaters” platform, seeking greater control over his content and revenue streams.
FAQs
What is Carl Benjamin’s real name and his online pseudonym?
Carl Benjamin’s real name is Carl Benjamin. He is more widely known by his online pseudonym, “Sargon of Akkad.”
What is Carl Benjamin known for?
Carl Benjamin is primarily known for his work as a YouTuber and political commentator. He gained significant prominence for his critiques of feminism, identity politics, and “social justice warriors” (SJWs), particularly during the Gamergate controversy. He is also known for his unsuccessful run as a UKIP candidate in the 2019 European Parliament election and for founding the “Lotus Eaters” media platform.
What are Carl Benjamin’s political views?
Carl Benjamin describes himself as a “classical liberal” and a supporter of Brexit. His political commentary is generally considered to be right-leaning. He is a vocal critic of what he views as “woke” ideology, political correctness, and the influence of progressive politics in culture and society. Many media outlets have characterized his views as right-wing or far-right.
What was the controversy involving Carl Benjamin and Jess Phillips?
In 2016, Carl Benjamin sent a tweet to Labour MP Jess Phillips stating, “I wouldn’t even rape you.” He later reiterated and defended these comments during his 2019 political campaign. The comments were widely condemned as misogynistic and unacceptable, and they became a major point of controversy that overshadowed his political aspirations.
What is Carl Benjamin doing now in 2025?
As of 2025, Carl Benjamin is primarily focused on his media platform, “Lotus Eaters.” He hosts and produces content for the platform, which features podcasts, articles, and videos that offer a right-leaning perspective on current events, politics, and culture. He has largely moved away from direct involvement in electoral politics and is focused on building his independent media brand.
Final Thoughts
Carl Benjamin remains a polarizing figure in the digital age. To his supporters, he is a champion of free speech and a necessary bulwark against the tide of progressive ideology. To his detractors, he is a purveyor of divisive rhetoric and a symbol of the toxicity that can fester in online political discourse.
His journey from a “Sargon of Akkad” on YouTube to a political candidate and media entrepreneur reflects the changing landscape of how political ideas are formed, disseminated, and debated in the 21st century. As of 2025, his continued presence and the success of his “Lotus Eaters” platform indicate that his influence, for better or worse, is likely to endure.
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