The Fake Sheikh Exposed

The Fake Sheikh Exposed is a BBC documentary investigating Mazher Mahmood, a British tabloid journalist who built a career by posing as a ‘sheikh’ and persuading public figures to engage in illegal acts. This controversial form of entrapment enabled him to generate sensational headlines. However, a high-profile case involving a pop singer ultimately had severe repercussions for Mahmood and his undercover journalism career.

Singer and former X Factor judge Tulisa Contostavlos was put on trial in a drugs case triggered by Mahmood’s undercover operation. The charges against her were later dropped after a judge found reason to believe that Mahmood had committed perjury. He was subsequently convicted of perverting the course of justice and sentenced to 15 months in prison. The Fake Sheikh Exposed reveals the range of deceptive and unethical practices Mahmood employed and examines the lasting impact they had on those he targeted.