| You are in: Entertainment | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Tuesday, 16 July, 2002, 14:20 GMT 15:20 UK Bad week for balance ![]() George Michael wanders round a Los Angeles park
My Worst Week on BBC One follows the feverish tabloid press activity surrounding celebrity expos�, beginning with the embarrassing outing of pop star George Michael in a Los Angeles public toilet. It is fair to assume the singer has had better weeks and, unsurprisingly, Michael and his team declined to take part - so we may never really know. And that is where the programme comes unstuck.
The Mirror's editor Piers Morgan recalls how he jumped for joy when the story about Michael came through and that his first thought was: "Get the copper." In the absence of the police officer or Michael however, the toilet became the star, as photographers crowded round the public convenience to take snapshots. But with no Michael or even any input from his aides, this is a very one-sided tale. The show might have be more interesting had the journalists interviewed revealed something new. But the closest we get to something startling is the fact that some paparazzi photographs of the star taken earlier that year turned out to be of Michael loitering in the same park where he committed the lewd act.
You could argue that the point of the programme is not to dig up new dirt but to put the spotlight on the intricate workings of the press and public relations. But most of us are aware that a celebrity will try to turn a potentially damaging story to their advantage. And this programme never really gets under the skin of the conspiracy stories - Michael believes the arrest was a set-up. Considering the reaction of Michael's fanbase was crucial, there is little contact with members of the public, other than a couple of fans camped outside the singer's home.
Presenter Iain Lee (of the 11 O'Clock Show) gives the proceedings a voyeuristic air, throwing in tawdry double entendres wherever possible and behaving as if he has just been caught doing something he should not. There are also some amusing details - apparently the police officer involved in the arrest and Michael are still arguing over just who exposed who. And Michael quips on a chat show: "I never even think about masturbation before calling my lawyer." There are certainly worse ways to spend a Tuesday evening than watch this, especially if you are a closet Wham! fan. And it is particularly interesting to see Michael's handling of the situation. But the programmes on Sophie Wessex and Robin Cook should have more bite. We expect celebrities to behave badly occasionally but royals and politicians should know better - should they not? My Worst Week is on BBC One, Tuesday 16 Jul, 22:35 - 23:15. | See also: 06 Jul 02 | Talking Point 27 Jun 02 | Entertainment 17 Feb 02 | England 18 Oct 00 | Entertainment 17 Feb 00 | Americas 17 Feb 00 | Americas 17 Nov 98 | Entertainment 15 May 98 | UK 11 Apr 98 | Europe 11 Apr 98 | UK Internet links: The BBC is not responsible for the content of external internet sites Top Entertainment stories now: Links to more Entertainment stories are at the foot of the page. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Links to more Entertainment stories |
![]() | ||
| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- To BBC Sport>> | To BBC Weather>> | To BBC World Service>> ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- © MMIII | News Sources | Privacy |