Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Sean Spicer mocked for ‘rotting’ lettuce stuck between his teeth during White House press briefing

Press Secretary’s latest gaffe has caused no end of amusement

Rachael Revesz
Tuesday 28 March 2017 11:10 BST
Comments
Sean Spicer holds whole press briefing with something stuck in his teeth

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Sean Spicer skipped one vital step in his preparation to face journalists on Monday - a quick glance in the mirror.

When he attended the latest White House press briefing with a piece of lettuce lodged between his teeth, it was quickly pointed out on social media.

Jim Carrey joked, “The rotting food in @PresSec Sean Spicer’s teeth is distracting and makes it hard to absorb today’s WH misinformation.”

Some users hoped that Melissa McCarthy would include the leftover lunch as inspiration for her next Saturday Night Live skit, while others on twitter reverted to puns such as "lettuce be clear".

Mr Spicer’s latest gaffe is unlikely to go down well with the President, who reportedly told his Press Secretary after his first briefing to sharpen up his appearance and lower the podium to improve visuals.

Mr Spicer has since gone into the room with a pin of the American flag turned upside down, was mocked for the amount of chewing gum he reportedly swallows during a working day, and has called out reporters' names during the briefing who were not present.

His first day on the job just two months ago did not go down well.

He launched into an angry tirade about journalists’ reporting of the crowd size at the Inauguration and did not take any questions before storming out of the room.

Since 23 January, he has often taken a lighter note with the press, cracking jokes and smiling.

But he has regardless come under fire for defending the President’s controversial policies or actions.

When questioned on criticism of Mr Trump’s statement on International Holocaust Remembrance Day which did not reference the Jewish people, for example, Mr Spicer said that he wished the Anne Frank Center had "praised the President for his leadership" in fighting anti-Semitism.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in