People fall for online Key spoof

Paterson in her spoof titled Leave John Key Alone. Photo / Supplied

She sobs, she cries, she begs: "Leave John Key alone".

A woman behind an online election hit has revealed many people believed she was genuine.

Television freelancer Robyn Paterson, 34, said she created the one-minute 32-second spoof video after an online chat about the cup of tea recording.

The former Facelift satirist based her clip on an internet hit called Leave Britney Alone, in which a tearful fan begged people to stop criticising pop star Britney Spears.

Paterson draped a blanket over her head and mocked sobbing, saying: "All you media, leave John Key alone." She said the Prime Minister had a hard life and deserved sympathy.

"It's lonely being rich.

"And all the New Zealanders are going to Australia. All his colleagues are leaving the election to him and his name rhymes with donkey.

"All you people care about is asking him questions about things he's trying to cover up."

The YouTube video had been seen by 10,000 people in its first 24 hours online and had received close to 40,000 views by this weekend.

Paterson said a lot of people believed she was a genuinely distraught voter, pleading for Key to be allowed a break.

She said she believed the cup of tea recording should have been released.

"People have been saying the tapes have been distracting from the real issues.

"Whether or not we can trust those who want to lead is very much a real issue."