Chances are that, unless you have lived under a rock, you would have heard about the ‘royal prank’ scandal. The scandal being the outrageous behavior of the British public towards two Australian DJs who, dare I say it, did minimal wrong.
Now, the debate surrounding media intrusion into the private lives of the famous or what sense of humor is acceptable is irrelevant to my point. What is ok for some is not for others, bearing in mind that being xenophobic, homophobic and sexist is also fine for certain members of society and there is nothing we can do about it. Freedom has a funny way of being free.
What everyone seems to be forgetting is that Mel Greig and Michael Christian are people too. Forget for a minute about the terrible tragedy. When it boils down to it you have two people calling a hospital pretending to be the Queen. The Queen. Is that really so abhorrent?
There have been no useful comments from the hospital in question. Yes, Jacintha was not a receptionist but it was the hospital’s responsibility to ensure that proper instruction was provided to all staff (which one would think would be the case if a royal was on the premises).
Through an ill-mannered, and now infamous, prank call two young DJs will now have to live with the guilt of the apparent suicide of Jacintha Salndhana. My sincere condolences go out to her husband and children. However, it is childish and ignorant to presume that it was the actions of the two Australians that ‘killed’ her as the social media outcry would have you believe. The choice to take your own life is not easy, no one else can make it for you,but it is likely to be preluded by a variety of factors including depression. Ironically, whilst a prank call was morally wrong the emotional abuse that the two DJs have continued to receive is a twisted form of justice.
Both Mel and Michael have gone on television to discuss this tragedy. I imagine this was a suggestion of the radio bosses who, no doubt, approved this stunt in the first place. This desperate plea for some good PR for the station is hardly what Ms Greig and Mr Christian need. I hope they are able to find some excellent councillors to deal with their own traumas.
A memorial fund has been announced for Jacintha Saldhana. The money raised will go to her family. Anyone wishing to make a donation can do so using the following details:
Account Name: King Edward VII’s Hospital – Jacintha Saldanha Memorial Fund
Sort Code: 60-40-02
Account Number: 24771279
Bank: National Westminster Bank
Branch: Cavendish Square
BIC: NWBKGB2L
IBAN: GB21NWBK60400224771279
Alternatively, donations can be made by check made payable to:
King Edward VII’s Hospital – Jacintha Saldanha Memorial Fund
Cheques should be sent to: Finance, King Edward VII’s Hospital, 10 Beaumont Street, London. W1G 6AA.
