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Matthew Wright: I won’t ‘do a Leslie’ again and name Katie Price’s rapist
By Mark Blunden, London Lite Last updated at 12:56pm on 18.09.09Daytime talk show host Matthew Wright today laughed off suggestions that he would repeat his past mistake in blurting out the name of the celebrity who allegedly raped Katie Price.
In 2002, Wright let slip John Leslie's name on air as the man suspected of raping Ulrika Jonsson.
Blunder: Matthew Wright dismissed suggestions that he might name the man in Katie Price's claim
But today, on his TV show The Wright Stuff, he responded live on air to a question from the London Lite asking if he was likely to reveal the name at the centre of the Katie Price allegations. He laughed and, turning to the camera, joked: “They expect me to reply?” swiftly moving on to the next item.
Wright, 44, was widely criticised for naming Leslie in relation to the Jonsson case. No charges were ever brought against the former Blue Peter presenter and he strenuously denied the claim.
On Wednesday, Price called The Wright Stuff, vowing never to name the celebrity. Today she insisted the matter was closed even though Surrey Police intend to interview her over the alleged attack.
Officers reportedly called the mother-of-three yesterday as she took her son Harvey, seven, to Moorfields Eye Hospital. She told them: “What's past is past and I just want to forget about it.”
Rape claim: Katie Price says the matter is closed
She made the claims in her OK! magazine column to defend criticism of a simulated rape filmed by her boyfriend Alex Reid.
A senior Surrey Police officer said: “Rape is not a complaint you make lightly and we have a duty of care to a potential victim to take appropriate action.”
Reader views (8)
i think katie price aka jordan has acted despicably towards peter anyone with an ounce of sense can see those children would be far better off with peter.he has acted with decorum throughout this disasterous episode in his life but look on the bright side peter you have now got shut of the one person who was trying to pull you down to their level.as a mum of 9 children i think you are a real role model to your children and i think they would thrive being with you as you are loved by everyone.it is very convenient this allegation of rape comes out just as your album starts hopefully to get to number 1. she is just trying to take the limelight off you son .i know if i was raped i would want him put behind bars not protecting his name.anyway congratulations on your divorce and good luck in everthing you do i am sure you you will do well .and katie name and shame him if he did this henious crime to you remember he is still out there and could do it to somebody else so unless you were willing to shop this lowlife you should not have brought it to the publics attention so please reconsider your decision.
- Anne .Goodwin, westkirby
I am an American and I am fascinated by why the British public is fascinated with reality television and reality television "stars". These people are nothing and add nothing to society. They are nothing more than desperate,lonely,pathetic,attention-seeking lowlifes. It may be fun to watch people making fools out of themselves,but that says more about the people watching than the people participating. Save yourself England,this is an intervention. Americans love England. We want you to be happy and expect more from you. If you lie down with dogs you're gonna get up with fleas. LOL. P.S. Have a nice day!
- Brandon May, burlington,north carolina
He laughed? He wrecked the guy's career - not to mention his life - and then when his stupidity is referred to again Matthew Wright laughed?
Let's hope Karma isn't real, for his sake.
- Roz, France
I believe she was raped, but I have no sympathy for her and this must be a first. If you can report it in the press, but not to the Police, it couldn't have affected you that much, again another first. I can't imagine how offensive her actions must be to abused women everywhere. She is a complete and utter disgrace and I will never buy a product with a picture or mention of her again no matter how much I want it.
- Clair, London
Personally I think that Katie Price is 'using' (pardon, manipulating) the media for her own ends. She hasn't come out of the marriage breakdown particularly well given the very public and quite acid comments she was making to her ex-husband before the separation and who, in contrast, seems to be acting with great dignity and restraint. Having taken all the humiliation he did it doesn't surprise me that he jumped ship.
The fact that the 'pneumatic' Katie is still very bankable doesn't make her right or indeed popular. She seems on closer scrutiny to be little more than a very attractive pair of boobies positioned slightly below a mouth that is making even more boobies!
- Burton J Helling, LE HOMMET D'ARTHENAY, FRANCE
She "just wants to forget about it" ?? If that's the case, why did she even bring up the subject and why why why does she keep on and on about it? IF a rape has taken place then the person should be brought to justice. If a rape has not taken place, then she's just an attention seeking, sympathy seeking skank. Either way, it doesn't matter. She's done herself no favours with her behaviour and it would be difficult to find many people who feel sorry for her. Everything in her life has been brought on by herself and her ego. She's a nobody and should be relegated to her place in history.
- Jb Sussex, hove sussex uk
Katie Price aka Jordan, has probably suffered some form of sexual abuse in her life as the way she expresses herself (excessive exposure) protrays some form of traumatic sexualisation. There are women out there who are raped and don't name their attacker(s) due to feelings of embarrassment or fear of not being believed; this is nothing new.
I truly believe this is just another PR stunt, a cheap, classless and tasteless one at that.
Harvey is a handsome boy with a beautiful soul, how Katie can be his mother is beyond human comprehension.
Glamour models are projected as sexual objects, but we forget that their experience of rape and being abused is what the media are feeding to us in large portions.
As a criminologist, I am happy I see what psychologists, trauma clinics and other professionals talk about.
I pray for Katie, those like her and those who want to be her.
- Dae Dae, London, UK
To be honest I know 2 girls who have been raped in very different circumstances and she doesn't seem to come across as somebody who has been violated in possibly the worst way.
Just saying.
- Anon, London
