Jonathan Pie: 'Boris Johnson Is a Liar' | NYT Opinion
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Published 2022-02-05
Throughout the Covid-19 pandemic, British people have been largely law abiding and civic minded. They followed the stay-at-home orders through three lengthy lockdowns, many losing their jobs, missing birthdays, weddings and even the funerals of their loved ones in the process.
So when evidence began to emerge in late November that the staff at 10 Downing Street, the prime minister’s residence and the central office of government, had held a Christmas party during lockdown, people were angry, to say the least. But then, after a steady stream of breaking news made clear it was not one or two but at least 16 parties, several of which Prime Minister Boris Johnson knew about and in some cases apparently attended, that anger transformed into fury. On Thursday, four members of his staff resigned, with one citing his reference to a debunked conspiracy theory while speaking to Parliament as a contributing factor.
To explain exactly why the British are so enraged with Mr. Johnson, who was already infamous for his troubled relationship with the truth, we produced a satirical Opinion Video with Jonathan Pie, a fictional broadcast reporter created and performed on YouTube by the comedian Tom Walker, whose acerbic, satirical monologues have gone viral.
The video contains strong language and adult humor you wouldn’t normally see in The Times, but after being taken for fools, the British public is through being polite.
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All Comments (21)
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Hello, I'm Jonathan Pie, and I collaborated with the Opinion Video team to help American audiences understand why so many British people are furious with Boris Johnson right now. As we make clear, Johnson is a well established liar. What do you think is the most infuriating lie he has ever told?
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As an Englishman I can tell you that Pie is perfectly correct about Johnson, his government, the Conservative party and many of the 'Entitled Establishment'.
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This man is the manifestation of our country’s anger and frustration with our government. He is excellent
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The world needs much more of this. Mr Pie was spot on here.
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Pie going global. Finally, the political commentator the world needs.
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Brilliant from Jonathan. Thank you NYT for giving him a platform
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This isn't opinion, this is facts
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Being a postal worker i feel a bit guilty being on strike in the run up to Christmas, will still feel that way when i get back to work on friday. But i'm so glad to hear this, Thank you.
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I would say that this is a fair, balanced and accurate representation of Johnson and what he stands for.
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Regardless of what you think of the royal family, the image of an old lady, sitting on her own while burying he husband is heart breaking and sums up how dreadful these parties were. It’s an image that was repeated around the country on a daily basis, from the poorest to the richest of us but Boris thinks he’s above his own rules. He’s got to go, along with the rest of his corrupt cohorts.
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"Hogwarts for wankers!" OMG, I can't...😂
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Jonathan Pie says the things we all want to say
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“Hog warts for wankers were you get taught Latin and tax avoidance” You deserve way more recognition for your work, political satire master classes each and every one.
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"Opinion"? This man is speaking only facts
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Please keep bringing him back, Jonathan Pie is the reporter/satirist we need right bo
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Absolutely brilliant, does not get any better than this
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We need more Jonathan Pies in this world.
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I’m British, this is 100% accurate.
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Jonathan Pie......the real no holds barred commentator. An absolute asset to the world.
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Briliant. Just, Brilliant! Why are you not our PM?
