The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
Oh my word!
This week I’m relating a trivial tale about a Hollywood superstar. But I have a point to make, bear with me.
DC Thomson, publishers of The Courier, used to hold a yearly awards ceremony for editorial staff. It was usually a highly enjoyable night.
In 2014, TV personality Ross King (who relates Hollywood gossip on Lorraine Kelly’s TV show) was recruited as host – a sprinkling of stardust that impressed us all.
As luck would have it, that year I won an award. It doesn’t matter what it was – dog with the waggiest tail or something. I was pleased. It is nice to be recognised for doing good work.
Accepting my trophy from Mr King he delivered a quip as I left the stage: “There he goes, the only man on the staff who needs turn-ups on his boxer shorts.”
It was a height joke as I’m not the tallest of chaps. People laughed at Mr King’s barb.
In truth, I’ve never felt sensitive about my height. People suffer worse things than being five foot six. But I came away with a rather negative opinion of Ross King. There was no need to be crass to earn a cheap laugh and spoil what should have been a nice experience for a wee guy.
I’m telling you this because I want to give context to my opinion on the libel case playing out in the highest court in the land, involving the wives of two international footballers.
Observers have looked down their wise noses, opining that it is a minor matter, a pointless airing of dirty laundry.
To a point, I disagree. The case shouldn’t have taken up so much time and money – that’s certainly a valid argument – but the people involved have been hurt by words used against them. Words sting.
The rest of the world doesn’t care, but the combatants want truth, vindication, and justice.
When you think about it, that’s a very human reaction. Examine your history. Have you ever been angered by cruel words? Did you wish you’d had a right of reply? That’s what this court case is – magnified by money and celebrity status.
Show me someone who claims personal insults are always – 100% of the time – water off a duck’s back to them, and I’ll show you a liar.
Many, many people have suffered far more egregious taunts than Ross King’s tawdry jibe at me. I’d be first to admit that. But I’d like to point out to him that he went down in my estimation that night.
To all those who have been spoken of badly, tastelessly joked about, hurt by words – I’m on your side.