Dork of the Day

Seymour was talking to reporters following his Waitangi speech. As he answered a question about his use of a Shakespeare quote, Williams interjected.

Seymour: “Pouring poison in one’s ear is a quote from Hamlet about putting mistruths in people’s minds, and I believe that’s what people have done about my [Treaty Principles] Bill”.

Williams: “A lot of people say that’s what you’re doing. You’re spreading misinformation”.

Seymour: “Can you give me an example?”

Williams: “You’re trying to say that Maori are causing divisions and racist when it seems like that’s what you’re doing”.

Seymour: “No, I’ve never said that at all”.

Williams pushed further, insisting Seymour had said it many times – “don’t lie to me”.

Seymour: “I’ve never said that at all. That’s why you’re not a real journalist. These guys are. What I have said consistently is the idea that the Treaty formed a partnership between races... is inherently divisive as an idea.”

Williams took on Seymour again a few minutes later. “You’re saying I’m not a real journalist, but even I can see through this bullshit. Like, you’re spinning shit”.

Seymour: “It’s worse than that. You’re not even a real comedian”.

Williams: “OK, well, that’s fair. But.. I feel like you’re setting the narrative and then saying everyone who argues with you is an idiot when really people have been very clear about their arguments. You’re being dismissive because you want to control the narrative. You’re not in it for ideas, you’re in it for asset sales and for creating division to win political votes. That’s what I think.”

Seymour: “When I grew up as a kid in this country, comedians were funny. They were clever, they were witty. What’s gone wrong?”.

Williams: “I think I’m all right”.

Seymour: “Yeah, I know. You’re the only person who thinks that”.

Williams: “When I grew up, politicians were a bit more honest”.

Seymour said Williams had given him a new appreciation for journalists, joking about having to turn to Herald columnist Simon Wilson to ask a question.

Seymour and Williams clashed a third time when the comedian asked whether the politician was joking when he said he was improving the mana of the Treaty.

“I would have thought a comedian would know what a joke was, but maybe that’s where you’re having troubles,” Seymour said.

NZ Herald