ACA’s Tracy Grimshaw: Ramsay is an arrogant narcissist and a bully – and I’m not gay
Gordon Ramsay’s growing Australian PR disaster got worse on Monday evening with A Current Affair’s Tracy Grimshaw shredding his claims that his attack on her looks and sexuality was banter between mates.
The situation began when the celebrity chef – in Australia for cooking shows in Sydney and Melbourne – appeared on ACA for a pre-recorded interview. After the encounter ended, he teased her about a small mole on her face as he was having his microphone removed.
When the programme was broadcast on Friday night, the exchange was included. Ramsay appeared to take this as a cue to build a vendetta between the two of them. According to Melbourne’s Herald Sun he suggested to the audience that Grimshaw was a fat, lesbian pig. But he later told the newspaper that he had known Grimshaw for a long time, adding:
“I find it hard to believe that anyone was offended when it was a throwaway line that was not there to cause any upset. Christ, this is a resilient, tenacious country full of excitement and buoyancy. I never thought of anyone in Australia having to be wrapped up in cotton wool. I’d be horrified if I’d offended anyone.”
But in tonight’s episode of ACA Grimshaw read a statement out to the viwers. She told the Nine audience:
“This is not a business for wimps and I am not one. I think I’ve got a reasonable sense of humour too.
“On Friday when Gordon Ramsay made fun of a little mole on my face in a taped interview I laughed along and was happy to see it go to air. But that was nothing compared to the attack he unleashed on me the next day in front of 3000 people who’d come simply to see him cook.
“I have no idea what promopted his outburst which continued yesterday and again today. We’ve not spoken and I’ve not responded until now.
“Gordon Ramsay has always had fair and generous treatment on this programme but despite what jhis publicist said in damage control we do not have a great relationship. We have no relationship at all. I’ve played along with him in interviews because it’s entertaining and that’s my job. I walk away afterwards and I don’t think about him again.
“Last week his publicists stipulated obsessively that his interviews on this trip not include questions about his marriage and private life – we all know why. I respected that request. But it appears with Ramsay that respect is a one way street. On Saturday he launched a series of unprovoked public attacks against me. I’m not going to pretend that his comments didn’t hurt. I was absolutely miserable when I found out late Saturday afternoon.
“He says it was a joke. Well, not to me or to anyone who cares about me. Truly I wonder how many people would laugh if they were effectively described as an old, ugly pig. How is that funny exactly? And worse, it’s not even witty.
“I spent all yesterday thinking about how to respond and I honestly thought about saying nothing at all. But we all know bullies thrive when noone takes them on and I’m not going to sit meekly and let some arrogant narcissist bully me.
“And just finally, Gordon Ramsay made me promise on Friday not to ask about his private life. He then got on stage on Saturday and made some very clear and uninformed insinuations about mine. Obviously Gordon thinks that any woman who doesn’t find him attractive must be gay. For the record, I don’t and I’m not.
But I’m not surprised by any of this. We’ve all seen how Gordon Ramsay treats his wife, and he supposedly loves her. We’re all just fodder to him.”
Ramsay’s visit to Australia has been dominated with feisty media encounters. He was combative in his interview with Rove McManus on Sunday night, immediately accusing him of being a “shortarse” and moving the conversation onto penis size.
During that interview, the chef insisted that he was entitled to a private life. Despite various public comments from the chef about his commitment to his wife, rumours to the contrary emerged late last year. (Update: Apologies – this video, from Rove’s YouTube channel has been taken down and the entire channel suspended – so it’s not currently available)
Meanwhile, comedian Wil Anderson had his own take on events, taking to Twitter to opine:
“News: ACA host Tracy Grimshaw to address comments made about her by Gordon Ramsey. She can’t believe he called her a “journalist” either…”
Oh, come on Dr Mumbo… Please don’t jump on the sensationalistic media train. I don’t defend Ramsay for one second regarding his comments at the good food show (or whatever it was) as I wasn’t there, but I did see him on Rove last night and it all appeared to be good natured banter. Rove appeared, to me anyway, to be poking him and wanting a reaction. When he got one, he (Rove) gave as good as he got and it was funny – I laughed anyway. BTW: That youtube clip is heavily edited too.
Sure, maybe he goes too far (generally) and maybe Tracy was unfairly treated – attack him for that, if that was the case, not something that didn’t happen.
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Hi Simon,
Thanks for your comment.
I must admit, that was my initial reaction too. Watching the initial ACA interview, he probably thought his mole comments weren’t for broadcast – the sound guy was already helping him take his mic off. So that suggested that ACA / Tracy Grimshaw were up for some of it.
But he does appear to have escalated matters. Last night I had an interesting chat to a woman working on a live show at a rival network to ACA, and she was outraged on Grimshaw’s behalf. It was all a bit personal.
I’m not sure I agree with you about the Rove interview. I thought he came across as a bit of a potential bully there too, although Rove handled it well. certainly the Rove Tweetstream was unimpressed with Ramsay at the time.
Which is shame – at his best, Ramsay is a brillaint restaurateur. I’ve had three of the best meals of my life at his place in Chelsea (and one of my most disappointing at his place in Dubai). But clearly his aggresion is one of the traits that has made him good at what he does.
But i do think this is going to play out badly against him – particularly his choice of target. remember who airs his shows. When Nine pays (some of) your wages, you don’t sensibly go to war with one of its favourite daughters.
By the way – there’s now a good quality version of the full Rove interview, so that’s now the one above.
Cheers,
Tim – Mumbrella
“because it’s entertaining and that’s my job”
I thought Tracy’s job was to present the current affairs of today’s society? Now it’s to be entertaining too? hmmmm
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Ramsay is a disgusting, dishonest and unethical pig. He’s never been anything else…. And Tracey is right. He’s also a loud mouthed bully. I really wish the media would stop paying attention to him. It only encourages. Starve him of media oxygen and let him fade away into the sinsginificance he so richly deserves.
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Hi, on behalf of (I would hope) most women I wish to add to Tracy’s comments regarding Gordon Ramsay. What a pity I was not responding on behalf of “our girl” on ACA. I thought she was a little light handed in the back slap. If Gordon Ramsay wants to run down anybody (and I mean anybody) about their personal appearance, perhaps he needs to look objectively at his own. Firstly his mouth is like a sewer and usually that means a lack of articulation and poor vocabulary. Secondly his face is filled not with wrinkles but with craters and furrets. The amazing thing to me is that any women wants to hop in the sack with him at all. The ego and narcissim is another thing. Regarding penis size. I suspect his is small and that’s what’s behind all the male bitchiness. I respect Tracy Grimshaw and her career on television. She is professional, intelligent and a quite remarkable lady. Perhaps Gordon Ramsay doesn’t move in circles containing females of such calibre.
Wendy Kennedy, Sydney.
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Sorry for the above spello “narcissicism”.
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narcissism doh
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I find it amusing that a woman who fronts a ‘current affairs’ program whose format includes often publically humilating members of the general public would take offence at being offered the other end of the stick for once.
She at least has a platform to defend hersel … unlike some ot the poor sods who end up on her show.
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I find it amusing that a woman who fronts a ‘current affairs’ program whose format includes often publically humilating members of the general public would take offence at being offered the other end of the stick for once.
She at least has a platform to defend herself … unlike some ot the poor sods who end up on her show.
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Ramsay has made a career out of bullying – his brand is based on it – personally I find him a sad example – watching him humiliate people is not entertainment to me
He doesnt have the balls to do it face to face – a misogynistic bully-boy wanker
However, sadly the ratings he receives evidently indicates that the public like that sort of thing – more an indicator of society
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the whole thing leaves bad taste in mouth. But i’m on Gordon’s side, not Grimshaw.
She enjoyed those moley comments and almost burst a kidney from laughing too much. It’s like those sluts in kings cross who don’t wear many clothes. You can’t tell me they’re not asking for it?!
Another ratings pull by ACA.
The show rots your brain and insults anyone who can think for themselves.
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This is the footage which sparked the whole Tracy Grimshaw attack
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iOs-p6Pd5fs
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Sick bag anyone?! Gordon Ramsay would appear to indeed be a bully, and a loudmouth. But this seems to have degenerated into a pointless slanging match. He loves a good banter, and clearly sees Australia as a country where he can have one. That is a compliment to what should be our intelligence and humour. Say what you like about the Pomes, they know how to have a laugh at themselves. Ramsay on Rove was hilarious – great banter. And if Rove was affronted, you couldn’t tell. He is, as is in fact HIS job, a great entertainer. I wasn’t previously aware that A Current Affair sold itself as great entertainment. Sure, Ramsay has gone too far with Tracy Grimshaw, but the repost sounded as though this incident will impact the rest of her life. Interesting that, of all the ‘News’ she reports on, the one thing that’s impacted her enough to make a personal statement was about… herself. Not great broadcasting. Not even entertainment. Wil Anderson had the right idea.
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Saw Ramsay on Friday night at the Good Food & Wine Show in Melbourne and could not believe how boring he was. We went to see a chef talk about food but Ramsay appears to think he is a comic – time travelled from the 70s & a low rent English pub. The first 20 mins was this appalling Benny Hill style “patter” from Gordon – the audience just cringed at him. Seem’s he’s so arrogant that he just can’t see how truly awful he is.
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Ahh, the Sam Newman of cooking has again hit our shores amid a stream of controversy casting aspersions on Tracy’s looks. Let’s face it the guy’s no oil painting himself – his face has more lines in it than a New Jersey crackhouse.
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I’m no fan of ACA or Grimshaw but she’s entitled to have her right of reply of Ramsay’s “attack” of a personal nature. If she abided by the “rules” set by his PR/publicity on the interview, then why attack her?
Controversy Creates Cash and he has both in spades.
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Tracey Grimshaw you are a disgrace to Australian television as you have misused your role as a news reporter for a desperate grab of ratings and for your own smelly personal issues! I will never watch your joke of a show based on sensationalism trash journalism ever again!!! The ‘Today’ show has also proven that you can’t touch one of ours as they have all as well closed ranks behind Tracey’s fat behind in support! They all together need to bow their heads in shame together with the crew from the ABC, but at least they knew when to give up! This current trash television will be in our faces at least until midday tomorrow unfortunately. I know what you are thinking? Ok, I won’t watch Tracey’s attempt at an informative program … anymore or the Today show for that matter. Instead I will attempt to use my time more productively, like training for a triathlon or learning how to cook a four course meal for 2! Gordon has at least given something back to society. Well Tracey you still have time left to do the same! Go to the Gym and loose that buffalo rear and retire from television all together! And while you are there you can take the one they so call ‘Rove’ as well with you and together do something for this nation… P@%S OFF!!!!! We can clearly see what you are worth out of 10, NOTHING / ZERO, sorry, no Michelin Star for you!
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Whilst I don’t condone all of Gordon Ramseys comments, at least Ramsey has some sort of talent. What exactly has Tracey Grimshaw brought into our lives apart from a ‘crap bias tabloid commercial filled offensive to intelligent people’ program. I agree with Will Anderson. Thats not journalism. If she can dish it out she needs to take it. She’ll be loving what this is doing for her ratings.
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I thought Rove was brilliantly professional, witty and sharp in the way he handled Ramsay, who does have an effective line in bullying git shtick.
I had to stop watching his live cooking demo and tend to agree with the Benny Hill comment above. Dressing up Gordon’s dour, kitchen Presbyterianism in that style of heavy-handed audience banter? Unwatchable.
I have not eaten twice at his restaurants because the first time was simply dull. Not great, not awful, just dull – a mediocre meal drowning in the only sauce Gordon seems to cook, veloute. It was the same Dubai place that disappointed the good Doktor.
Coming out fighting and attacking popular and liked TV personalities just means you look boorish and unpopular. As do the constant attacks on other cooks. It’s just repetitive and unpleasant to watch.
I think the problem that’s starting to surface is that Gordon is simply not a very nice person.
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Good on you Tracy.
Gordon Ramsay is an obnoxious bully boy who enjoys swearing and putting others down.
He is a loathsome dog who has made numerous enemies in the UK.
He has been exposed as a liar regarding his sporting past and it is great that you have stood up to him.
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with the Ramsey talk with Tracy
I think she is taking it all toooooo far….
It was a chatty conversation it is his personality and I think people here are going too far with this, and need to get a life….
Tracy should with all that she reports be a much clever person than she is behaving.
I am disappointed she is not as clever as i thought she was.
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Isn’t it great to see that feminists have adopted pragmatism so readily? There’s nothing like the promise of male chivalry to make a girl live up to her membership of the “weaker sex”. The creation of Tracey Grimshaw as a victim, and the subsequent Galahad-like rallying of her male colleagues to her defence was laughable if not so pathetic. One media bully in a verbal exchange with another, and the only difference being gender.
If in 2009 a woman is ” absolutely miserable” at references to her appearance, perhaps that suggests her integrity and intelligence are insufficient to sustain her. The vast majority of men would take such jibes with a grain of salt. As would a woman of substance.
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Only in a parallel universe could Tracey Grimshaw present herself as a victim over Gordon Ramsay’s comments. Grimshaw presides over a show dedicated to the bullying of others; chasing people down the street, disrupting them at work, and ultimately seeking to destroy reputations by unnerving those without media training.
The hypocrisy of the year must belong to Grimshaw, as immediately after referring to Ramsay as a “bully”, crossed to a story that tore strips off the harmless 19 y.o. Clare Werbeloff.
As crass as the Ramsay attack was, Grimshaw got exactly what she deserved.
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apparently she IS a lesbian….liar
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She IS kidding right ? … she fronts a show that depicts people as morally corrupt by showing one side of a story ( no apologies when they get it wrong) just for some ratings … and SHE has the cheek to say SHE was insulted !!!!!! …Take a good look at yourself Grimshaw …yer dreamin !
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The Daily Telegraph has supposedly spoken to Mamma Ramsay and she says she had not spoken to Gordon about this incident and he claimed yesterday in a Nine exclusive interview he got a bollocking from her…
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Come on… eveyone’s acting as though Grimshaw is a credible, respected journalist. Do people actually realise that she works for A Current Affair… a program made for morons who can’t make up their own mind about the world that they need to be spoon fed mindless drivvel? I can’t take anything she says seriously – she know where she works. Whereas Ramsay has built his career on, and is well respected for being an offensive rude bully. I’m so BORED of this.
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It’s only Tracy Grimshaw, who doesn’t make a pun at her expense? We’ve just banded together because a Pom said it, no wait, because a comedian didn’t say it.. Who didn’t laugh at the Wil Anderson twitter just at the end? I like Ramsay, I hope he come back and do it again. Tracy was way more out of line than him.
And lastly Gordon swears, most likely drinks a bit and has an accent….doesn’t that just make him an honourary Aussie right there?
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(by the way that’s me above) P.S. I’m going out to buy one of Ramsay’s cookbooks.
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I saw Gordon Ramsay at the Good Food and Wine Show in Melbourne and the media has made a meal out of absolutely nothing. The crowd laughed at all his jokes! His comedy routine lasted not more than 5 minute’s, which was then followed by 55 minutes of cooking. Gordon never called her a lesbian!! ACA did make a meal out of nothing. All who saw Gordon’s show would not have even remembered those comments about Mrs Piggy when they left! The amount of rubbish I have read and also watched from news bulletins to the all-faithful ACA just confirms that from now on Tracy Grimshaw does look a little like an omnivore with undertone tendencies for gluttony!!! Oink! Oink!
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