With the death of the commonly offensive – and occasionally very funny – racist British comedian Bernard Manning (above), an unlikely successor has stepped forward. Times (London) indicates that it’s Trevor Philips, Chair of the Commission for Equality and Human Rights. Speaking at an Imperial College old fellows black tie dinner, Trev showed you can ruin your reputation when speaking in public, using inappropriate and insensitive remarks. He related the anecdote about attending a royal function and was counselled by security staff about putting his hands on the Queen Mum’s royal person; not out of etiquette, but becos of her colostomy bag…geddit? Boom, boom!! As with this internet age, the speech was filmed and is expected to air on YouTube soon. So what’s the worst public speaking gaffe you’ve ever witnessed?
I was kinda caught out when speaking in the Middle East. I related the PR Disaster story about Abercrombie and Fitch selling kids ‘g’-string underwear. Immediately, 3 women in burkhas got up and left, either over the term I’d used or fear of where it was leading. So what’s the worst public speaking gaffe you’ve ever witnessed?

Trevor Phillips ponders whether his remarks were anti-royal, ageist or even racist?