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Parkie: Jade was ignorant, puerile and no martyr

Updated 11:32am on 7 Apr 2009


Sir Michael Parkinson has launched an attack on Jade Goody, calling her “ignorant and puerile”.
Days after the reality TV star's funeral service, for which huge crowds lined the streets, Parky said she represented “all that is paltry and wretched about Britain today”.

Attack: Parkinson spoke out against Goody, right with husband Tweed

In the Radio Times, the veteran TV host wrote that Goody, 27, who died of cancer, was not a “martyr” but a poor role model exploited by the media. “Jade Goody has her place in the history of television and, while it's significant, it's nothing to be proud of.

“Her death is as sad as the death of any young person, but it's not the passing of a martyr or a saint, or Princess Di. She was brought up on a sink estate, as a child came to know drugs and crime, was barely educated, ignorant and puerile.” Max Clifford, Goody's publicist and friend, said he was “surprised and disappointed” by the comments.

Meanwhile, Goody's husband Jack Tweed, 21, has said he wants to be buried next to her in north London when he dies.

Reader views (94)

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I think what parky means is that people without talent and hard work can become celebrated as role models in this current British culture and get rich quick. Sorry but the truth hurts, and he is right. Since her family are STILL profiting from her name in death why can't others ciriticise and for it to be called bad timing? If ahything was said while she was alive people were called snobs, and now they are called insensitive on her death. Lets not live in fear of the last taboo in this country - the truth.

- Jewish Rabbi, London, UK, 15/04/2009 16:51
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Ignorant and puerile or discourteous and malicious. Who should have known better?

- Amanda, London, 08/04/2009 14:49
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What has Jade's back ground, education, or lack of it, got anything to do with anything else that has become of her!

I don't agree that Jade represents "everything that is wrong with Britain to day" but I would agree that she represents "everything that is wrong with media and celebrity today"!

- Julie, London, 08/04/2009 14:06
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Parky said "Her death is ... not the passing of a martyr or a saint, or Princess Di. She was brought up on a sink estate, as a child came to know drugs and crime, was barely educated, ignorant and puerile.”

So Deidre - while I agree with you, I should have followed my own advice and not said anything nasty, I was actually making a point. I don't see how, if you're going to criticize Jade for being badly educated and puerile, you can at the same time canonize Diana for not making the most of her extraordinarily privileged background.

- Lewis, London, 08/04/2009 12:07
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If you can't say anything good don't say anything at all, which is why 90% of the UK have kept quiet, the other 10% have lots of time on their hands, their one task is to sign on every 2 weeks.

- Bob, Cheam, 08/04/2009 11:42
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Finally, we have someone who is prepared to speak up. This young girl's death was tragic but I was appalled by both the overreaction of the media and the involvement of Max Clifford on a professional basis.

- Jack, london, 08/04/2009 11:00
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Parky, the voice of reason! Finally a sensible comment on the whole Jade jamboree

- Mark, London, 08/04/2009 10:42
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I think it a bit weird that most people have commended Parkies comments.
It just shows you how envious some people are. Why say anything. Its a story in life that is over. Parkinson also got where he is today through
his gift of the the gab.

- Brian Fast, Sydney australia, 08/04/2009 08:12
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obviously michael parkinson has no feelings at all. the man has probably never had to struggle for money or nor had to look after his mother at a young age, had a drug addict for a father and further more leave his kids without a mother at 4 and 5 years old. how insencetive of him to make these comments. he could never have the effect that jade has had on people,or help to save lives. we know jade was not princess Diana but her funeral was pretty similar.now would be a good time to also mention how boring your chat shows were and how much better michael aspel was. the day you close your eyes the streets will not be lined with crowds because quite simply you were not that popular and no one is going to miss you!!!!!!

- Anon, essex, 07/04/2009 23:56
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Parky - Thank you. A person in the public eye that is not gushing over the passing of Jade Goody. Apart from the Circus her family concocted around her I think the biggest disgrace of all is to liken her to Princess Di. Princess Di was everything good about this country - yes she had her faults but by God she was beautiful on the outside as well as on the inside.

- Louie, London South East, 07/04/2009 22:59
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Finally, someone who has the guts to speak out against the media circus of Jade Goody that we the public have endured for so long. I found her handling of the disease to be without the slightest ounce of dignity, but more importantly I blame the tabloids for using her all the time as front page newspaper exclusives. And this coming from the same hypocritical papers who were still branding her a racist only weeks before her diagnosis of cancer, now wants us to believe she is a ‘princess’. Jade has not left a lasting legacy, nor should she be put on a pedestal. The only good to come from this is that it has highlighted how important cervical cancer screening is and had she not had the illness I doubt she would have taken this cause to her heart.

- Helen, Greenhithe, Kent, 07/04/2009 22:32
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Sadly I have to deplore the way that Jade,her publicist and the media caused a great deal of distress to myself and all those who have had to watch a loved one die slowly from cancer. We are trying to come to terms with this and move on -this media circus has not helped.

- Linda, South Yorks, 07/04/2009 17:28
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Boring!

- B, leeds, 07/04/2009 17:22
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At last, a voice of reason.

- Chris, Peterborough, UK, 07/04/2009 17:19
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Thank you Michael for being so observant - and it is unfortunate that your statement is all too true. And as for most journalists comments - when she was alive they had no good words to say about her - the gutter press! Sad she died so young, but many people do and have led a more deserving life than Jade Goody.

- Neil Attfield, Taunton, 07/04/2009 17:18
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Parky always tells it like it is

- Vij, London, 07/04/2009 17:16
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Well done Parkie, as sad as it is that Jade became ill and died at such a young age she was and is in no way what I would consider a role model. For all of Princess Diana's faults (and she had many) at least she gave freely and willingly of her time to charity, she notably supported AIDs charities (spending time with AIDs victims, comforting them when many wouldn't) and she raised a huge amount of awareness about land mines (campaigning to help those affected). Jade managed to raise awareness for a disease she contracted and that has to be admired but it does not make her a role model.

- Serena, Dorset, 07/04/2009 17:15
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It is about time someone said something. Good on you Parkinson. What you have said is very true. After what she did to Shilpa is unforgivable. She should have said sorry again to Shilpa in the days before she died, I would have forgiven her and let her rest in peace. I hope the world has learnt a lesson. What goes around, comes around. Never be ignorant and treat someone as a second class citizen by being racist.

- Phillipa,, Slough, Berkshire UK, 07/04/2009 17:13
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Thank goodness someone (Parky) has said out loud what many think, but are afraid to say. I agree it is sad when anyone dies young, and Jade has clearly helped publicise the risk of cervical cancer. That aside though she represents all that is wrong with British society today.

- Rob, Hampshire, 07/04/2009 17:08
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I TOTALLY AGREE WITH PARKY!!! HE SAYING WHAT MOST ARE THINKING HAVE YOU NOTICED HOW THE PEOPLE (SO CALLED MOURNING ARE BASICALLY JUST LIKE SHE WAS COMMON WITH NOT A LOT ABOUT THEM) ILL BE GLAD WHEN THE CIRCUS IS OVER THAT WAY I CAN BUY A PAPER AND A MAGAZINE AGAIN !!!!! JOB WELL DONE PARKY - BY THE WAY A STATUE IS A MOCKERY TO EVERYONE ELSE WHO HAS DIED AND JACK LOOKED SO GUTTED ON HIS THEME PARK RIDE DIDNT HE LAUGHING AND JOKING LETS SEE HOW LONG BEFORE HE GETS PAID FOR AN INTERVIEW OR HAS A NEW GIRL ON HIS ARM WHAT A MONTH MAYBE TWO DEPENDS HOW MUCH HE IS BLEEDING THIS WHOLE FARCE

- Claire, Halifax, England, 07/04/2009 17:04
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Judging by the comments it looks like "toffs" 3 - "Chavs" 1.....Why do people bring class into it? Can't anyone make any comment or have a view without it being a class issue? Well done parky....it is right on the spot...

- I M Off, Basing-grad - Chav-shire, 07/04/2009 17:01
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How right Parky is, Jade Goody was a foul mouth racist certainly no role model, it is a shame a young mother dies so young, but let us not forget what she really is.

- Gary, SE London, 07/04/2009 16:55
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Olivia

However callous you may find his comments, they are nevertheless representative of an opinion held by a majority of people, and many would regard as accurate.

There is nothing more hypocritical than having a sentimental regard for the dead simply because they are dead.

- John Bloomfield, Twickenham, 07/04/2009 16:55
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What a Nasty ,Bitter Twisted Old Man Parkinson has become.Before ITV ditched his "Chat Show", he said he wanted to interview Jade Goody as she had an "Interesting Back History".She was a Young mother with 2 very young sons,and was only buried 3 days ago !! His Bitchy Callous comments have shown his True Colours.He should be ASHAMED.

- Kathryn, Sheffield, 07/04/2009 16:44
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HE SHOULD BE ASHAMED OF HIS SELF WOULD HE HAVE LIKED IT IF ANYONE HAD SAID THAT ABOUT HIS KIDS THE MANS IAN IDIOT AND WANTS TO GET OFF THE T V HE IS A BORING OLD GET ANYWAY

- Marion Hinchliff, GOOLE EAST RIDING, 07/04/2009 16:43
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Well done Sir Michael,
She should now be set aside. She knew how to play cheap media and cheap media used her to the maximum. She was no Saint and she should not become martyr. Let instead have a thought for all those wonderful people who dedicate their lives to care,cure and support the poor and suffering masses throughout the world and who wish to remain anonymous.

- Andrea, Lausanne CH, 07/04/2009 16:40
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Well done Parky, agree 100%...glad there is still somebody left in the UK with the balls to tell it how it is...

- Angelo, New York - USA, 07/04/2009 16:32
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It is a case of who the hell is Michael Parkinson another no morals lump who sees no wrong in helping to flog overpriced death insurance aimed at people of Jade's sort of up bringing on council estates with little education, Oh that's alright then. Did not see the point of Jade either she was about as interesting as Parky so again thats alright then. WHEN are we going to start rewarding the the real people the soldier lads who go off to fight the NO MORALs Government the hard working Carers and the people who do a Fair Days job for little pay COME on lets start doing it right for a change

- Roz, Durham UK, 07/04/2009 16:13
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That was an awful thing to say, I am appalled and shocked that you could be so callous. You must be made of stone and totally dead inside - I actually feel bad for you

- Olivia, West Sussex, England, 07/04/2009 16:10
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Thank you Parky...i have been saying this since she was made out to be some sort of british hero after BB...what about those single parents who die from cancer...those parents who do not have money to leave to their children or who do not know what will happen to their children when they die...the social work is not a future...then Mr Tweed who thought that mooning the tabloids,days before his wife to be was going to die...if the woman i loved was days from dying,i know i would not be showing my butt to the world with a stupid grin on my face...i had no sympathy for her before she died and i have none now...i have sympathy for her sons and those parents and children who's future is so uncertain

- Hanz2602, dalbeattie scotland, 07/04/2009 16:07
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Oh come on, of course Parky is right, Jade was an ill-educated and extremely exploited young woman. Although this isn't her fault that doesn't mean that you can claim she was a businesswoman just because her name was on a perfume bottle. Has everyone forgotten Celebrity Big Brother? Or even her original appearance on our TV screens? She only succeded in proving that in today's culture of celebrity for celebrity's sake you don't need any kind of talent or education to earn loads of money and live in luxury. Fair enough, her life was cut short, but what about the thousands of other, much more productive members of society, who die of cancer every year? They are much more worthy of our praise than this imbecile.

- Curtis, Belfast, 07/04/2009 16:06
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It about time we heard some truths!

- Zohra, London Bridge, 07/04/2009 16:04
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"..if you can't say anything nice, say nothing. How unpleasant to say all of that. ... as to the comparisons with Diana, how ridiculous. She was a spoiled rich brat who had everything and threw it away. Who despite an expensive education and a silver spoon was still as thick as two short planks."

- Lewis, London

Bit of an own goal there, I think, Lewis. Listen to your own advice in future.

- Deidre, London, 07/04/2009 16:03
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It seems clear that Herbert Agyemang-Duah is racially biased owing to Jade's mixed-race heritage. Jade literally became famous for a) being stupid during her first Big Brother outing and, b) being ignorant/racist during her second If these are the qualities that Herbert seeks to emulate then he is making Parkinson's point for him!

- Mike, London, 07/04/2009 16:02
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I TOTTALLY AGREE!!! Everything Parkie has said is a true and accurate account of how it really is!!! And perfectly valid!!! Thank god some one came out and said it!!! Well done Parkie!!!!

- Tinker, London, 07/04/2009 15:59
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unfortunately, common people want the media to make idols. This poor woman was used and abused by TV, magazines, tabloids to make money out of her ignorance and disgrace. She is not to blame, but those who profitted by the circumstances .

- Antonieta Janeiro, LISBOA - ALAMEDA-PORTUGAL, 07/04/2009 15:59
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I completely agree with Mr. Parkinson. It is always a tragedy when a young person dies and leaves small children behind- he is not belittling this fact or making light of Jade's death. What he is saying is that her life- her "achievements", her lack of common knowledge, her crude ways- was not one that anyone should aspire to, or model themselves after. He is perfectly in the right to have such an opinion and to express it. Goodness knows Jade never kept her opinions to herself!

- Fw, British Columbia, Canada, 07/04/2009 15:57
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I actually don't think Parkie meant to be nasty as such - I think he was more getting at the way the media, her management etc all played her to make money. yes, she wanted to make money from her "celebrity" but I think at times she was used and abused by all those around her to make a fast buck! Badly timed comment from him, and he is actually adding to the circus that is being talked about now in relation to Jade, but I don't think he was being pompous or scathing of her, more pitying her.

- Nicky, london, 07/04/2009 15:52
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Parkie is 100% on his comments good for him.

- Vin, gateshead england, 07/04/2009 15:51
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Dan, from London, I wholeheartedly agree with your comments but especially about Parky's unnecessary criticisms of Jade as a person. Parky does himself no favours and comes across as mean spirited and unsympathetic to the plight of her bereaved family and friends - and in so doing, I might venture, has probably lost the respect of many.

- Babs, Glasgow, 07/04/2009 15:48
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Where was Parky's wagging finger when Diana came a cropper through not wearing a seat belt while speeding? Bit of hypocrisy there methinks.

But if you agree to translate "role" model" and "dreadful example" into "someone who's life holds lessons for us all" then Parky and Clifford can be brought into agreement.

There are plenty of stupid, ignorant people in the public eye but it's not often that one of them actually dies as a result of their own stupidity. One might hope that we would all learn something from these mishaps, but the effect is somewhat dulled if we keep giving them state funerals.

- Mickgj, London, 07/04/2009 15:47
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Parkinson may well have a point - but the doddering old fool could have at least waited a little longer than a few days after the woman's funeral to offer his opinion.

- Rose, North London, 07/04/2009 15:45
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I'm with Parkinson on this one - Goody was everything that's bad about the UK today. She was rude, brash, poorly educated, racist and vulgar. Its a shame is died so young - I would not wish that to happen on anyone - but lets stop pretending she was something she was not. She was not the "saint" she is being made out to be, let's not kid ourselves here.

- Derek, Glasgow, Scotland, 07/04/2009 15:45
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At last someone with some sense. I can not think of a less intelligent and more arrogant person then Goody was.

- Acibeb, London, UK, 07/04/2009 15:45
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I do think its a bit soon voicing negative comments so soon after her funeral but I have to say what Michael says is true.

- Joey, London, 07/04/2009 15:42
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Until now I had been starting to think that I am the only person who is sick to the back teeth of this nonsense. Parkie, well done, I agree with everything you have said!!

- Rory, Gloucestershire, 07/04/2009 15:41
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Well you either liked Jade or you didnt, but surely out of respect if you cant say something nice, say nothing!

- Hnelson, Aberdeen, Scotland, 07/04/2009 15:33
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I am extremely concerned about the insensitivity shown by Michael Parkinson and so many others on here. Princess Diana was seen as a role model only because she was brought up in a privileged, aristocratic family. How dare anyone speak of Jade Goody in such a way just because of her background. She did extremely well considering the circumstances to become a successful businesswoman and till her dying day, did everything in her power to secure a future for her children that she never had. Rather than slate her, she should be commended for enduring such a difficult childhood through no fault of her own. My heart goes out to her and her family. People are evil!

- Sobia, Leicester, 07/04/2009 15:17
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Totally unnecessary and poorly timed comment.

- Sarah, London, 07/04/2009 15:16
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What a thing to say you pompous privileged oaf

- Jb, Cardiff, 07/04/2009 15:13
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I agree 100% with Dan, if you can't say anything nice, say nothing. How unpleasant to say all of that. What use is spewing such vitriol about someone you didn't even know Mr Parkinson? I think you're the one showing quite how nasty this nation has become.

As for objecting to the comparisons with Diana, how ridiculous. She was a spoiled rich brat who had everything and threw it away. Who despite an expensive education and a silver spoon was still as thick as two short planks. No comparison at all.

- Lewis, London, 07/04/2009 15:10
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Totally agree with Michael P. That's because he is spot on.

- Keith, London, 07/04/2009 15:08
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Thank you for some honest reporting! It is sad when someone dies so young and leaves loved ones behind, we are not heartless; and there are many people dying every day all over the world. I did not like Jade at all. If Jade didn't have cancer would she have campaigned for the cause, no. If she had suddenly been knocked down by a bus and died, would it have all ended up like this, no.

- Jane, Nottingham, Nottingham UK, 07/04/2009 14:57
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As long as the public want to read about so called celebrities, the longer the media will be OTT with the coverage. Simple as. Whilst everyone is expressing agreement to parkie and bewilderment over the coverage of Jade (myself including in the latter), there is a huge section of the general public who has demanded this.

I do agree to a certain extent with what Parkie is saying, however I feel that slagging off the dead when people are still grieving is a little bit below the belt myself. What happened to having respect? Also S. Singh, are you really telling us that if you were dying of cancer, you would donate all money you make to charity and not put it into a trust fund for your small children and that Jade was selfish to do this? I would of done exactly the same as Jade and secured my childrens future. That to me would be the priority.

- Natty, London, 07/04/2009 14:54
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At last! Well said Parkie

Jade Goody became famous for being stupid. The myth that she then built a business empire is rubbish. A management/marketing team - not Jade - released they could make millions selling books and perfume to other idiots who hail jade as a role model.

I just can believe the tabloids in this country! It wasn't long ago that Jade Goody was considered a racist hate figure by the people who are now building her up to be a hero!

Its incredibly sad that she - and anyone so young - should be taken so early in life. We've lost many talented and important people to cancer over the years and I'm sorry, Jade Goody isn't one of them

- Jake, London., 07/04/2009 14:46
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Whether one agrees with him or not, its not the right time to make such comments. Whomever she was, its not right to twist the knife on anyone who's grave is still fresh. I think that's pretty cruel.

- Jc, London, 07/04/2009 14:45
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Nothing against the woman and don't blame her for making a few bob, but the media circus that surrounds these 'famous for being famous ' characters borders on the insane.

However the Princess Di comparison is valid who was a posher 'famous for being famous' type person with very little talent other then having publicity organised around her.

- Ian, London, 07/04/2009 14:31
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Well said parky
yes its sad for anyone to die so young but lets not forget what an ignorant , thick racist she was.

- Jay, london, 07/04/2009 14:28
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He's not wrong

- French Frog, London, 07/04/2009 14:13
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Well done Michael, at last a voice of sanity amidst all of the hysteria. Of course it is sad when a young mother dies but something is seriously wrong with the sort of people who mourn somebody they have never met. She was famous only for being on Tv, She was foul mouthed, ignorant and bigoted and was indeed a very poor role model for young people. As for the newly widowed husband, out on bail for assault and waiting trial for another offence. Perhaps Australia is a good place for the children to be

- David Bain, johannesburg South Africa, 07/04/2009 14:10
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Parkie is completely right. Glad to see somebody has the nerve to stand up and speak the truth about the whole Jade story. She and her family are interested in nothing but self, money and more money. If she is a role model for young women then god help us all.

- Jc, london n1, 07/04/2009 14:00
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Herbert my friend, you seem to be carrying an unecessary chip on your shoulder. Hope the stutter gets better.

- Jameson Ugunyebe, Ashford, Kent, UK, 07/04/2009 13:58
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Totally spot on Parkie. What's behind all the coverage in the Sun - respect for Jade Goody or the desire to sell a few more '000 of it's grubby product to the uneducated?

- Chris, London, 07/04/2009 13:57
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What Jade did to Shilpa was attack, what Michael has done to Jade is criticise. Stand up all those who have never criticised. I certainly must remain seated:-).

- Colin, Mora, Sweden, 07/04/2009 13:55
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of course Parky is right, but it won't go down well with the OK & Hello set now will it?

at least someone has said what many people are thinking.

- Scott, london, 07/04/2009 13:47
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Spot on, she was more sinner than saint, and over 1000 women die of cervical cancer each year, that's 3 per day - what's so special about her?

- James, London, 07/04/2009 13:45
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although the death of any person to cancer is a tragedy, the media are to blame for this circus, only a few years ago jade goody was slated by the press on a daily basis who have now done a complete uturn for pure profit. she was not a role model, the only worthwhile thing she did was publicise cancer & make britain aware just how deep the divide is in social development and education. i am not a snob or racist and i do feel for her two sons but she was no role model or princess.

- Adrian Hosey, LIVERPOOL, 07/04/2009 13:45
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Well said Parky, you are spot on.
Of course it's sad that somebody should die so young but his point is that she is a poor role model and the whole media circus shows how bad things have become. I think there was a song which once said 'No more heroes anymore........'.

- Pete Church, london, 07/04/2009 13:45
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I fully support any attacks on the published and broadcast media who have mutated her funeral, normally a solemn occasion for introspection; into the 21st century equivalent of a dog and pony show. I also support any critical dissection of the current sociological obsession with celebrity for celebrities sake, lastly I must confess to finding myself in braod agreement with parky's refutation that Goody was either a suitable role mode or a modern martyr.

However i'm at a loss as to what possible benefit is to be derived from going that extra yardage and publicly savaging Ms. Goody now.

Parky would do well to remember the sage northern addage "if tha' can't say owt good about somebody then say nowt"

Or is kicking someone when there 6 foot under not considered purile anymore?

- Dan, London, 07/04/2009 13:43
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Parky's absolutely right. This is what passes for culture in dumbed-down labour(sic) Britain!

- Chris, Brighton, England, 07/04/2009 13:43
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Well Done Parkie. People tend to forget, how quick we change our minds Jade was no matyr but she did right by those boys of hers. May she rest in peace.

- Frances Carter, Cleveland United Kingdom, 07/04/2009 13:39
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Michael is absolutely right. Jade sought nothing but publicity for the benefit of herself and her sons. If that is not selfish at a time when cancer is the most prominant disease, then ignorant is all that her fans are. If she had dedicated all the monies her illness raised to cancer research, this would be a different story.
As for Jack's unrequiting love for her... I have no doubt that he will be in the arms of someone new before the end of the year. Jade will be all but a distant memory.

- S. Singh, London, UK, 07/04/2009 13:32
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I agree with Parkie! Before Jade was diagnosed with cancer she was regarded a thick ignorant racist chancer; the fact people feel an affinity with her is pretty sad. I understand people mourning the loss of a young life, and it is truly is sad for anyone to die at such an age. She truly brought nothing to the world of entertainment, only helping to lower the already dire standard we have come to expect.

- Paul Byrne, London, 07/04/2009 13:30
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Michael Parkinson has articulated the situation perfectly. He is the voice of reason.

- Catherine, London, 07/04/2009 13:25
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This coming from a Yorkshireman, who befittingly fits the tightfisted stereotype, and has made a living out of sucking up to guests.

If he still had his 'chat' show on TV, and Jade Goody was designated as a guest -100% guaranteed he'd be his usual painfully sycophantic self, there would be the pretend laughing at her anecdotes, and he'd have his tongue wedged up her proverbial, as he did with everyone he interviewed

- Greg, Bristol England, 07/04/2009 13:23
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Thank God that someone has had the guts to stand up and say what millions of us have been to scared to come out with!!!!
The girl was nothing but a racist bully and atrocious role model and does not deserve the attention she got!. I pity her children.

- Dee, London, 07/04/2009 13:22
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well said Parkie ... so nice to see that some people won't say what they think they have to say to appease the masses...
she was a nobody. the whole thing was such an embarassing spectacle. I think it was a shame about her illness but there are thousands out there who have cancer and just have to carry on

- Paul, solihull west midlands, 07/04/2009 13:21
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At last someone has finally said what the majority of the population has been thinking. The only good to come from Jade Goody's time in the spotlight is that people have become more aware of this type of cancer.

She was not a saint, not a martyr and not a nice person. I feel for her children having lost their Mum and hope they do not grow up to regret the choices their mum made in her last few months.

Well done Michael Parkinson.

- Neil, London, 07/04/2009 13:20
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Well said Michael, at last some sense!

- Natasha, Surrey, 07/04/2009 13:18
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There is no class snobbery. Parkinson also grew up in a working class background. I agree with him

- Nat, Hull, 07/04/2009 13:16
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Yes ok Herbert I think we get the message, once was enough. What's your race got to do with this anyway? Were you also such a staunch supporter of Jade's when she was involved with the Shilpa Shetty row? Um, probably not. Personally I agree with Michael I said pretty much the same thing a couple of weeks ago and I stick by what I said. She wasn't a saint or a martyr just an uneducated, z-lister who got a break. Now she's gone let's hope we can stop hearing about her.

- Lorraine, London, 07/04/2009 13:14
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Thankfully here is a high profile person prepared to tell it like it is, unlike the many cowards who (I suspect) are thinking the same but who just keep quiet. Thank you Parky, you speak for many of us.

- Mick, Warwick England, 07/04/2009 13:14
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I agree with Michael Parkinson. Alot of people were thinking exactly the same, she was a plaything for the media and of course she wanted the publicity.

- Anon, London, 07/04/2009 13:04
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Spot on Michael never have I read so much rubbish about someone so useless. As for Max Clifford he's a ghoul making money from a dying person, now just watch Jack Greedy Tweedy come out with all the crap to squeeze a few more quid into his trousers along with all the other ghouls. sad people with sad useless lives.

- Arturos, London, 07/04/2009 13:00
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What have being black and Carol Thatcher got to do with Parky's comments?

- John S, North West London, 07/04/2009 12:59
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Jade Goody's only claim to fame was that she publicly humiliated herself by verbally abusing a fellow contestant in spurious tv program called"Big Brother". That was folllowed by a public apology. What else does anybody remember her for? er..nothing at all!! She didn't write; sing; act; model; or perform any charity work. Neither I suspect did she have a proper job of any desciption known to me. She just seemed to become another one of those people who become 'famous for being famous' and is followed around by photographers as she enters and leaves supermarkets. That's not a reason for Parkinson to slag her off, of course, but then neither is it a reason for what is tantamount to a "state funeral".

- Patrick Churchill, GOFFS OAK, Herts, 07/04/2009 12:57
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You stink of class snobbery, Michael: Bet you wouldnt say that about Carol thatcher and her {unwiitting] racist depiction of a black tennis player would you.

I am a black , and very academic and and identify more with Jade most ways than with Carol Thatcher.
At least Jade was a product of the educational divide and couldnt afford Carols education.

- Herbert Agyemang-Duah, St. Albans ; Engand., 07/04/2009 12:30
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You stink of class snobbery, Michael: Bet you wouldnt say that about Carol thatcher would you?
I am black , and very academic and and identify more with Jade most ways than with Carol Thatcher.
At least Jade was a product of the educational divide and couldnt afford Carol's education.

- Herbert Agyemang-Duah, St. Albans ; Engand., 07/04/2009 12:30
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You stink of class snobbery, Michael: Bet you wouldnt say that about Carol thatcher and her {unwiitting] racist depiction of a black tennis player would you.

I am a black , and very academic and and identify more with Jade most ways than with Carol Thatcher.
At least Jade was a product of the educational divide and couldnt afford Carols education.

- Herbert Agyemang-Duah, St. Albans ; Engand., 07/04/2009 12:30
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Sometimes opinion is best kept to yourself, I can't help thinking this is one of those occasions. Is Parky turning into Catherine Tate's old nan?

- Simon, London, 07/04/2009 12:24
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So is Parky saying that because she was brought up on a "sink estate", was by Jade's own admission, uneducated and ignorant, does that mean she should not be entitled to go out into the world and make the best of any opportunity that should come her way, such as it did for Jade Goody.

Jade Goody went out there and grabbed an opportunity, she made the best of it, and as a result, for a short time, Jade experienced a life style and wealth that the rest of us can only wish to hope for and Jade's two young children will avoid the upbringing that she herself had.

- Julie, London, 07/04/2009 12:06
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well said Parkie ... so nice to see that some people won't say what they think they have to say to appease the masses...
she was a nobody. the whole thing was such an embarassing spectacle.

- Joanna, london, 07/04/2009 11:59
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Glad someone had said it

- Steven Jones, London, 07/04/2009 11:55
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Good on you Parkie, I was thinking exactly the same thing. Funny how people can easily forget and all of a sudden she's a matyr compared to Princess Di. Come on, lets be real. What happened to her was sad, but I'll be glad not to hear about her again.

- Hailey Bell, London, United Kingdom, 07/04/2009 11:49
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