Gavin and Stacey star apologises for calling Laura Kuenssberg ‘disingenuous plopcarpet’ and demanding she resign
‘No-one wins when we scream and shout rather than talk,’ BBC political editor said
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.Gavin & Stacey actor Mathew Horne has apologised after calling for the resignation of BBC political editor Laura Kuenssberg.
The morning after last week’s general election (13 December), the actor published a series of tweets, which have since been deleted, in which he referred to Kuenssberg as a “disingenuous plopcarpet” and requested that she resign.
“I really wish I loved myself as much as you, Laura,” Horne tweeted. “I think, although deeply selfish, I’d probably be happier. For a bit. Lucky you.”
Horne then retweeted a message from the political editor in which she said that the “swing in the North of England is pretty consistently [very] big Labour to Tory”, and added: “Let’s see… your ‘journalism’ knows no bounds.
“Resign, you disingenuous plopcarpet.”
Horne has now apologised for his statements.
“I apologise to both @bbclaurak and the BBC for my comments on election night,” he wrote. “I was caught up in the frenzy of the election and realise I used my public platform and passion for politics in an incorrect way. I regret this and we should stand together. Merry Christmas one and all.”
Kuenssberg replied to Horne, saying she accepted his apology and was looking forward to watching the forthcoming Gavin & Stacey Christmas special, which is being broadcast on BBC1 next week.
She added, “no-one wins when we scream and shout rather than talk – maybe Twitter could move on from being bitter in 2020.”
Additional reporting by Press Association.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments