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John Key plagued by 'thick' comment about David Beckham

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John Key plagued by 'thick' comment

3News NZ

Prime Minister John Key (file)

Prime Minister John Key (file)

UK tabloid newspapers are having a field day with Prime Minister John Key's lowly opinion of English football star David Beckham's intellect.

Mr Key told students while visiting St Hilda's Collegiate in Dunedin yesterday that Beckham was a nice guy but "thick as bats**t", Radio New Zealand reported.

Beckham had spent 45 minutes with Mr Key's son Max on a visit to New Zealand in 2008.

The Daily Mirror and The Sun have picked up the comment, with the Mirror quoting a source close to Beckham as saying the insult was pathetic.

"For someone supposedly thick, David has done pretty well to have become one of the world's most successful footballers and to be part of the bid to bring the Olympics to London. That doesn't sound like someone thick to me."

The Sun called the unguarded comment "stinging" and "cruel".

Mr Key's office declined to comment.

NZN

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Comments

6/11/2012 8:14:31 p.m.

Ruz wrote:

Beckham must be wondering what he did to provoke Key's shabby and unnecessary comment. While Key comes across as a sniggering back-stabbing talk back radio host I'm sure that the millions of Beckham fans in the UK might just boycott NZ products for a month, just to get their own back.

6/11/2012 10:40:45 a.m.

May wrote:

Bad enough the PM makes stupid comments, but what is worst and dishonourable is the BS and Spin he puts on it when caught out!

5/11/2012 6:30:57 a.m.

Brent wrote:

Looks like the media will be chasing down students after the PM commented yesterday I'm not going into something someone thinks they heard,So now we see the source don't we TV3? This is great cant wait to see there reaction on news Tonto as this is world wide news.

4/11/2012 7:40:03 p.m.

malcolm conneally wrote:

The Prime Minister goes on a American talk show, where not only does he make himself look a moran, and half wit, he makes his country and fellow NZ's look like a, wilderness full of rednecks.... and he calls David Beckham thick.

4/11/2012 6:56:43 p.m.

CG wrote:

What surprises me even more than the uncouth comments of our silly PM is that so many people have been hoodwinked into still supporting this guy and his party and their BS, hype, spin and pro rich agenda! The sooner Key/Banks and NAT/ACT untrustworthy gang are kicked out, the better for the nation. I can't wait for the next election. Do you guys feel the same?

4/11/2012 3:50:56 p.m.

Caro wrote:

How embarrassing..... as a kiwi I can only hang my head in shame, what a total muppet!

4/11/2012 1:09:03 p.m.

Al wrote:

At least Beckham can recall what he said last week.

4/11/2012 12:35:00 p.m.

Coop wrote:

Only one person thick here, and that is Key.God knows how this guy got voted into office, let alone how is he still in office.People of NZ should demand a snap election.This guy has only ruined NZ, financially and its image

4/11/2012 12:13:20 p.m.

kelvyn wrote:

Minister of Tourism (and current Prime Minister) insults one of sports most popular and recognised players. How smart is that?

4/11/2012 11:57:25 a.m.

dave wrote:

I'm surprised at a prime Minister stooping that low. Beckham probably didn't have the best education in the world but he did well; is a role model for thousands of underpriviledged kids also with little education and is generally a very decent family man - not being a politician. And as for bats, they are far brighter than the PM so don't diss them Mr!