The journalist branded a “half educated tenement Scot” by John Cleese previously sacked the Monty Python star, it has emerged.
Fraser Nelson criticised the actor’s writing at a fringe event during the Conservative Party conference in Birmingham during an interview with Scottish Tory leader Ruth Davidson.
Mr Cleese, 76, launched an online rant aimed at Moray-raised Mr Nelson, the editor of the Spectator, over a column he wrote for The Telegraph.
Why do we let half-educated tenement Scots run our English press ? Because their craving for social status makes them obedient retainers ? https://t.co/uCXEvbZssE
— John Cleese (@JohnCleese) October 2, 2016
Both ? That's a remarkable achievement
Seriously,I'd rather have educated,cultured and intelligent people in charge. Sorry for the elitism https://t.co/4MxADl47Tb
— John Cleese (@JohnCleese) October 2, 2016
It's not casual racism,it's considered culturalism
— John Cleese (@JohnCleese) October 2, 2016
Another good question is : why are there no English journalists running Scottish newspapers. Xenophobia ? https://t.co/LOdcjtC9C9
— John Cleese (@JohnCleese) October 2, 2016
As the hour-long question and answer session began, Ms Davidson brought up the online exchange, asking Mr Nelson: “Are you okay after that vicious attack? Are you feeling okay in yourself? Can I ask how many tenements were there in Nairn growing up?”
He replied: “Not very many but I like to think that in my heart I was always a tenement guy. I think John Cleese has allowed me to recognise and accept my inner-tenement self. Tenement Scot sounds quite nice, actually.”
After a brief discussion about whether or not the term “tenement Tory” would be a positive term, Ms Davidson asked: “I think Tenement Tory is okay but did you not sack John Cleese?”
To laughs from the audience, a slightly flustered Mr Nelson replied: “This is turning into a reverse interview. I have to say his copy is not that good, as we found out to our shock.”
