This Might Be the Most Awkward Interview Question Ever Asked

Think of the most awkward interview you’ve ever seen. Okay, now imagine it was ten times as awkward. Got it? Well, what you’re thinking of doesn’t hold a candle to an interview British broadcaster Jeremy Paxman conducted today with former Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi, in which Paxman asks creates the most awkward of slight pauses in any interview you’ve ever seen.

Back in 2011, when Berlusconi was still the scandal-plagued prime minister, he was caught on tape referring to German Chancellor Angela Merkel as an “unfuckable lard-arse.” Yes, that is apparently how one world leader spoke of another.

Well, you’ve got to give it to Paxman for having the temerity to actually pose this question to Berlusconi himself: “Do you have a particular problem with Angela Markel? Is it true you called her an unfuckable lard-arse?”

After a momentary bit of disorientation, Berlusconi strongly denied he said anything like that about Merkel, let alone insulting any world leader in his entire career.

Watch the exchange below, via BBC Newsnight (WARNING: NSFW language):

[h/t The Guardian]
[image via screengrab]

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Follow Josh Feldman on Twitter: @feldmaniac

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