Australia's Prime Minister calls Gordon Ramsay a 'lowlife'
Gordon Ramsay labelled ‘a new form of lowlife’ by Australian Prime Minister
Gordon Ramsay labelled a new form of lowlife by Australian Prime Minister
The Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd has branded Gordon Ramsay a ‘lowlife’ following his row with an Aussie female TV host.
The row kicked off last week when Tracy Grimshaw – seen as Down Under’s answer to Fern Britton – interviewed the chef for a promotional tour.
During the interview, Gordon did nothing to endear himself to Tracy, making insensitive remarks about her appearance.
At one point he commented on Grimshaw's facial mole and asked: 'Is that a wart? It looks like your little sister's on your lip.'
The next day he carried on his personal attack at a food fair in Melbourne when he likened Tracy, 39, to a pig.
In front of an audience of thousands he held up a picture of a naked woman with the features of a pig, and said: 'That's Tracy Grimshaw. I had an interview with her yesterday... holy ****. She needs to see Simon Cowell's Botox doctor.’
Marie Claire Newsletter
Celebrity news, beauty, fashion advice, and fascinating features, delivered straight to your inbox!
The row reached such a boiling point yesterday, that Australia’s Prime Minister, Kevin Rudd, felt the need to intervene.
He said: 'I think I can describe his remarks as reflecting a new form of lowlife.
'I just drew a breath when I saw the sort of stuff which he said about her. I just think that's off, and offensive.’
Tracy herself responded to Ramsay’s comments earlier in her programme, A Current Affair.
She asked viewers: 'How many people would laugh if they were effectively described as an old, ugly pig?
'I spent all day yesterday trying to think about how to respond and I thought about saying nothing.
'But we all know that bullies thrive when no one takes them on. I am not going to sit meekly and let some arrogant narcissist bully me.'
Then came what Rudd described as a good 'upper cut'.
She spoke of Ramsay's relationship with his wife.
Alluding to an alleged seven-year affair with author Sarah Symonds, she said: 'We have all seen how Gordon Ramsay treats his wife and he supposedly loves her. We are all just fodder to him.'
SEE TRACY'S RESPONSE HERE:
Yesterday, Ramsay said things had been ‘over-exaggerated’ and spoke of his disappointment at Tracy involving his wife.
'I am very sorry that Tracy now decides to attack my wife...
'So for me on a personal front to see how sad and how bitter for someone like that to come out, a renowned pro, to stoop that low to attack my life is disgusting.’
However, his spokesman did offer up an apology of sorts.
‘His intention was to make a joke and indeed he did raise a big laugh at the time.
'However, with hindsight he realises that his comments were inappropriate and offensive to Tracy Grimshaw, and he has unreservedly apologised both to her and anybody else who may who may have been upset.’
The leading destination for fashion, beauty, shopping and finger-on-the-pulse views on the latest issues. Marie Claire's travel content helps you delight in discovering new destinations around the globe, offering a unique – and sometimes unchartered – travel experience. From new hotel openings to the destinations tipped to take over our travel calendars, this iconic name has it covered.