Monday 7 July 2008

Thank F**k It's Friday brunch

This is hot off the sleaze press from an anon commenter:

No names, no pack drill. A senior (female) salesperson from a certain large Dubai based English language publisher was arrested on the beach on Friday.

She'd been to two brunches, met a tourist, and headed to the beach with him. The first time the police found them in fragante delicto, they were kicked off the beach with a warning. When they went back, she mouthed off at them, apparently with a religious slur, which resulted in her being arrested.

The Arabic boss of her company had to cut short his holiday to get her out 36 hours later.

The trial (if it hasn't already happened) is imminent.

Anyone got any other (suitably anonymous) stories about media folk's brushes with the authorities?


Here at DMO, we remember hazy tales of a female journalist getting Blue with a boyband member, but it was never confirmed.

146 comments:

Anonymous said...

Drunk, foul-mouthed media types shagging on the beach is one thing but how did she manage to score two Friday brunches in one day, hats off to the girl.

Anonymous said...

Again a salesman this one. Also from a big publisher (the same one I wonder). Totalled his Maserati, while pissed. They hushed it up, telling staff he'd suddenly "gone to visit his family in Jordan". He came back to work 30 days later with very short hair, looking traumatised.

Anonymous said...

It gets better.

The, cough, 'lady' in question and her special friend had been stopped mid-fun (*shudder*) once by the police, given a talking to, and told to go on her way - only to return and go at it again.

Needless to say, the cops weren't too impressed second time round, and promptly nicked the pair of them.

Looking at a serious stretch, they managed to reduce their time by... getting married!

Fat useless ITP type plus tosspot cockney in shotgun wedding shocker.

I fucking love Dubai.

Anonymous said...

anon @ 23.23 - was that in the days of the Mina Moon Party, or was this hasty marriage the result of Friday's canoodling?

Anonymous said...

I heard that one journo took a hooker to a hotel opening party, and was pretty brazen about it... Not sure if it's true.

Anonymous said...

Speaking of ITP types, there was also the case of a salesman (still in Dubai but not at ITP any more) who got into a scrap at Jimmy Dix, got thrown out, carried on fighting with the bouncers outside and spent 48 hours in the slammer.

Anonymous said...

The story about the hooker at the hotel opening party is true: I was there (although she wasn't my date). Just like that scene in Borat she was quite obviously a prostitute, with the added bonus of hardly speaking a word of English. Very amusing.

Anonymous said...

I have to say, that whilst this is all very amusing, and all this gossip is mildly reminiscent of chinese whispers.
All i can say is people's need to keep quiet about things till everything is over and done with, if you could try and realise how damaging to these people these posts could be, with the local courts appearing to crack down on disrespectful westerners of late and dish out harsher punishments to cases which have become well known around Dubai. So basically if you weren't either the woman or gent in the "Flagrante Delicto" then i suggest just keeping your opinions to yourself and waiting for some real facts. The situation that these people are in is highly precarious and im sure that they are trying to come up with any solution to try and resolve this matter as soon as possible. By any means possible, but others sitting smugly behind their keyboards typing away could seriously damage any plans that they have made. Remember as you climb down off your ivory towers, that these people are just like you, and are visitors to this country, and you all get drunk and you all like to party, so remember it could happen to you, especially if the police (government) decide to crack down on sex before marriage, we have all heard stories of peoples doors being kicked down and people being dragged from their beds.
Anyways Rant over.
I wish the two of them the best of luck, and so should many others.

Enjoy your freedom, Long may it last.

Anonymous said...
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Anonymous said...

Its harsh no question, but I think everyone has done something bad in their time here. I mean everyone here got an alcohol licence? Never insulted anyone..or given obscene gestures to. How about living with a female who isnt your wife of family member???

I will say though, that they are letting more and more of the 'wrong sorts' into Dubai...the stuff you thought you had escaped from in UK.

She's a good lass, irrelevant of what company she works for and is unfortunately paying for being so drunk she probably didnt realise the ramifications of her actions at the time...

Anonymous said...

as a matter of interest, do companies like ITP give full inductions into the customs of Dubai? Do they explain what can happen if you're caught, either drink driving, or shagging in public?

Anonymous said...

To All...
This blog is about me, there are a lot of wrong rumours circulating around, which at this crucial time are very damaging to me, those close to me and my case. Please be sympathetic for the sake of those i love, if this were you your sister/ brother, your daughter/ son, how would you really be feeling? We have all made silly regretful mistakes in life, of which some pay all too dearly and if these blogs continue it could hinder my fate. I am good, I am kind and I am true, the fear I feel each time I close my eyes feels my heart with dread, please imagine if it were you, this is punishment enough, I beg you all please stop this chain of harmful blogs. To friends thank you dearly for your continued support.

Anonymous said...

Yes, be very careful how you discuss criminal acts on this blog or indeed any media forum here. Stupid journalism or indiscreet comments can cause a case to collapse - it has happened here.

Don't think for a second that you can't be charged with consuming alcohol, transporting alcohol, living in sin, adultery, homosexuality or any acts that are legal in your home country. It happens more than you might think and it'll probably only be either wasta or an Oscar-winning performance in court that'll get you off. Trust me on this before you get too smug and sanctimonious.

Anonymous said...

This happens all the time, all round the world.
Someone commits a crime, or has an allegation made about them. The media writes about it, bloggers blog about it. It's not very nice for the person concerned, but it's the industry that journalists are in.

It would be hypocritical not to talk here about what everyone in media circles is talking about, just because some people know her and like her. I note that everyone has been restrained in not naming her or giving clues about her identity anyway.

Fortunately for her, I'm pretty sure the judge won't weigh up the views expressed on DMO before sentencing.

(By the way, I know her a bit - for what it's worth, it's not something she makes a habit of.)

Anonymous said...

There are so many media salesman and hooker stories, it may be quicker to list the salesmen who haven't been there.

Anonymous said...

ricky b anyone? lol
(and he really won't mind me saying so...)

Anonymous said...

Let's not forget Anil Bhoyrul - the man who Private Eye magazine desribed as a "one man threat to peace in the Middle east" after an incident in Sho Cho.

Anonymous said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Anonymous said...

She's not the only one in the world who has done something silly under the influence and regretted it wholeheartedly soon after. I wish her luck in resolving the challenging situation she finds herself in.

Anonymous said...

Looks like some ITP people helped out the Sun man with details for his story. Hope they got their 30 silver coins. Yuck, what happened to protecting your own?

anon_mediator said...

The story is here. No need to cut and paste the whole thing and rub her nose in it.

Anonymous said...

I recognise the background to the picture of her in the Sun story - it's where ITP staff stand to have their security pass pictures taken.
If ITP want to find out who leaked this one to the Sun they need to have a look who accessed their staff photos.
Can anyone think of a senior member of ITP staff who used to work on Fleet Street?

Anonymous said...

if you believe their CVs, then all of them have worked for national newspapers!

Anonymous said...

as has been mentioned on a few occasions, the fact that we have all done things against the laws of the uae is probably spot on. the only difference in most of our wrong doings was that we simply did not get caught.
i feel that the publishing world should close ranks and try and protect as best possible one of our own in the hope that should WE ever get caught the same courtesy is shown to us.
DMO lets do just that and remove this thread.

Anonymous said...

I think having sex in public is in poor taste and should probably have those involved fined, etc. I most certainly don't think it should be a life-changing affair as it appears to be here.

As with the general sentiment here, I too feel that those involved should have known better. Drunk or not.

Part of being an adult is accepting the consequences for one's actions. You are free to do what you know has the potential of ruining your life. Gambling on bad things not happening is what immature people do.

My sympathies go to the couple involved.

Anonymous said...

And how will removing this thread help? I suspect the authorities are slightly more likely to be influenced by coverage in The Sun than a few journo witterings here.
Anyway, it's probably done her a massive favour - now the international spotlight is on this, imagine the PR nightmare for Uk tourism if they throw the book at her.
She'll be back in the UK and flogging her story to the News of the World before you know it.

Anonymous said...

Why should DMO remove the thread? if it was a civilian (i.e non journo), Dubai's media would have been over the story like a rash.... it would be hypocritical to deny the story's existence.

having said that, it would have been nice if she had been protected from The Sun - and been able to issue a no comment.

Anonymous said...

I have zero sympathy for this woman. I've had to deal with the police on numerous occasions, and if you're polite to them they treat you with nothing but respect. If you swear at them and try to hit them with a shoe, especially after having received a warning, you deserve everything you get.

What everyone seems to be forgetting is that we are guests in this country. If the government turned round tomorrow and said we all have to leave then we'd have no right of appeal. There are people who would like to see that happen, and morons like this woman simply stregthen their argument.

Anonymous said...

according to gulf news, she's lived in dubai for 3 years. you have to hope she'd have known the rules by now. wonder what her arab boss thought of her alleged anti-muslim tirade.

anon_hack said...

I have some limited sympathy for this woman but not much.

Sex in a public place is an offence in most countries and I have no problem with someone getting fined for it.

As for abusing a police officer: I think a prison sentence is quite appropriate in any country. Months not years perhaps, but if some drunk idiot abused a British copper I would be very happy to see them do some time. There can't be much more of a shit job than being an honest cop these days, and the far greater amount of cops I've met in the UAE seem young and decent enough.

Being drunk is no excuse, here or back in the UK. And here in Dubai of course it's even more bloody stupid.

Anonymous said...

why not just go back to holidaymaker vince's hotel room?

Anonymous said...

I have no sympathy with this woman at all. She's 30, she got shitfaced drunk and had sex in public. She's either suffering from a serious lack of judgement, to the point of it being a clinical diagnosis, or, more likely, she's an alcoholic. (Or, maybe, she's just a badly-behaved Brit with no self-control, just like most of teh other drunken British arseholes). Plus, if she is the person who posted above, she's maudlin, pathetic and can't write, and should in no way be attached to the media industry, even in sales.

In any case, she got caught, and will hopefully be punished and deported. She can always use the story to get sympathy votes and hairpats when she eventually lands up in some snooty rehab facility in London, courtesy of her parents/boyfriend/whatever.

In the meantime, there's a job vacancy for someone who is actually interested in working and earning their salary. ie, a grownup

Anonymous said...

Oh, and in answer to the person above, no, while in Dubai I've never lived with someone I wasn't married to in , driven drunk, taken drugs, sworn at a police officer, or done anything likely to cause my arrest. Am I really that unusual? Is actually respecting the laws of the place you have chosen to live such aberrant behaviour? Wow!

Anonymous said...

Nope, can't think of any reason at all to keep this thread open. There is absolutely no human interest attached which is greater than the 'humane' interest that is deserved. Just cos someone works in the media, doesn't mean everyone has the right to point a finger, especially if finger pointing is simply to humiliate and degrade further.

This is not a fair discussion on editorial standards, just cyber bullying.

She/he will suffer enough, so pls DMO, enough.

Anonymous said...

We've all done stupid things in our lives- we're just lucky not to have had them played out so publicly. She's a lovely girl - and the first to help when someone else needs it. I appreciate our industry is the last to show compassion or restraint; but anyone who knows her can tell you this was completely out of character.

Anonymous said...

yes, but the moment you have sex on a beach, your life is public. i feel bad for her, but there are always consequences if you break the law and get caught.

Anonymous said...

And marvellous of The Sun to whip up even more hysteria about Middle Eastern justice with the box-out mentioning floggings. Conveniently, it leaves out the fact that if you're not a Muslim, you can't be sentenced to a flogging.

Anonymous said...

Always thought advertisement sales ladies a bit racy. I bet The Sun will make an offer for her to go topless on page three when she gets back to UK.

Anonymous said...

I believe having sex in public is fine as long as they bystanders are free to watch and there are portions of the beach reserved for such activities. The lady sounds like my kind of girl, and I applaud her for having the guts to get it on out there on the beach. Sometimes when you're horny, you just gotta do it.

Editor said...

Six years will be a good lesson.

Anonymous said...

Poor lass, we all know what its like when you have an itch that needs scrathing!

I agree it was careless (and lets face it we all love a scandal, especially from corrupt ITP) but I wouldn't wish this upon anyone. Good luck to her.

Anonymous said...

Hi, if the lady in question would like to air her side of the story because it's all a bit one-sided at the moment, please call me at Gulf News.

Alice
04 406 7943

Anonymous said...

I think the lady in question may have aired quite enough already.

Anonymous said...

For all that was written in Campaign, ITP really doesn't understand PR does it?

Local journalists are basically being told "No comment". As it says on the National online: “ITP declined to comment on the matter and bosses instructed all staff not to speak to the media."

However, if you're a London paper, they'll happily send you a statement confirming that they've fired the person involved, and also adding some unnecessary and - from a Dubai perspective - totally unconvincing spin.

The statement says: 'ITP Publishing Group can confirm that a member of its staff has been arrested by Dubai police for a number of serious public order offenses. Her case has, we understand, been forwarded to the public prosecution.

'Dubai, and the UAE, provide a tolerant, safe, liberal and rewarding environment for millions of expatriates from a wide range of nationalities and ITP, which employs some 600 staff representing over 20 nationalities in its Dubai-based operations, expects its staff to behave appropriately and properly in a manner consistent with the moral and cultural values of the society in which we all live and work.

'To this end the company gives its staff clear guidance regarding what is and what is not acceptable in the UAE environment when they join the company. Following an internal review of this incident, the company has dismissed Ms. X.'

Of course, local journalists can READ THE STATEMENT ONLINE SO KNOW THAT YOU ARE COMMENTING. Sigh....

Anonymous said...

We all know the rules, so there is no rules for compliant or ignorance, if you get warned, ignore the warning and then get caught again, you have no one to blame, but yourself. It's good to see that the UAE isnt soft like our homeland, your family are suffering because of your actions, not because of the actions of law. I notice there has been no denial anywhere. Makes me laugh also that the British Tax Payer, will have to pay for the legal advice through the Embassay. Priceless, well done.

Anonymous said...

ITP fired her, yet still employ other convicted criminals? Nice.

Anonymous said...

Sorry should've said there are no excuses for complaints or ignorance.... Also I dont think the issue is with ITP here, they cant control someone keeping on or this case taking off their undies, it's with the parties involved themselves. Brit's like this give other Brit's a bad name. We aren't all perfect, and we arent all stupid either.

Anonymous said...
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Anonymous said...

also heard that the publisher of the construction team likes to have a few beers and head butt people, not a good example...what chance did she have

Anonymous said...

Funny how Arabianbusiness.com "forgot" to feature the story today! Haahaaa! Well, com'on guys,it's not all that bad, at least she'll get exclusive access to some top tunes in Al-Slammer, courtesy of Grooverider! You can't get that on 106.5FM!

Anonymous said...

i guess sales people are always after multiple insertions...

Anonymous said...

wonder if they drink carling black label... they're probably tired of ordering sex on the beach

Anonymous said...

http://perezhilton.com/2008-07-09-dubai-vacationers-be-warned#respond

Anonymous said...

If anyone's got pictures of her at that (or any other) brunch, the News of the World is offering an excellent price...

Anonymous said...

anon@21:12 - care to expand?

Anonymous said...

I think she did a great thing, unfortunately it was misunderstood by UAE law...

What she did in the beach was s service to mankind... some loser tourist (probably haven't been laid for some time)took his chances to test his masculinity and the drunk lass willingly gave in so the poor soul wont suffer from sexual starvation!!! nyahahaha...

Anonymous said...

It's front page of the Sun again today - they've named the bloke.
http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/news/article1403169.ece

Anonymous said...

"I'm panicking - my mum is on anti-depressants. I can't say anything else."

The Telegraph

This story is going all over the place - pls read this and meditate before posting further comments.

Anonymous said...

we are scum

Unknown said...

" INDECENT BEHAVIOUR "
Dubai court should prosecute her and take strict action against her to create an example for others for her Indecent and Shameless behaviour.
*Shadab Ahmed*

Anonymous said...

http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/news/article1403169.ece
Here we go, nice guy, worth the trouble I guess

mediamonster said...

Just so you are all aware: personally abusive or derogatory comments made towards this woman will not be published.

Anonymous said...

If some are talking of Dubai and muslim country, Being a muslim, I say its wrong, YES its a muslim country, BUT what is happening there and bars/pubs/prostitution so open,Dont use muslim country word unnecessary. Just say its indecent act what happened.

Anonymous said...

Its not just the beach, BUT whole of Dubai now - people find difficult to take their young sons n daughters to malls n other places anywhere, sseee the nudity and clothes..whats happening...wake up.

Anonymous said...

as if it wasnt enough, the Sun now says she is 36, not 30. Poor girl.

Anonymous said...

At the end of the day they messed up. This is not bloody Brighton beach! We're living in Dubai... More and more people come over to Dubai for the sun, sand and lifestyle and they forget that it comes at a price! The couple got drunk and had sex on the beach in front of a cop who warned them once. They screwed up! and should be made an example of. Too many people come to Dubai thinking that they are back home in the UK. Respect the laws and culture and you'll do fine. Wake up for god sake! Most people reading this wont give a damn and will be off to Baristi tonight and the same shit will happen again but to a different couple - they may or may not get caught. Is it really worth the risk?? Take her/him home, get drunk and screw the hell out of eachother in a bed! Everyone has the intelligence to choose right from wrong so you live with your mistakes. They should have known better.

Anonymous said...

ITP are really showing caring employer status. It's ok to be in trouble with the cops if it's drunk driving (which could kill someone), or for financial misdemeanours, but not if you're a woman that had a sexual indiscretion. Seems there is one rule for the gander, and another for the saucy goose.

Anonymous said...

And how appropriate for ITP to host a party for their staff last night with a free bar. Really encouraging responsible behaviour.

Anonymous said...

If some are talking of Dubai and muslim country, Being a muslim, I say its wrong, YES its a muslim country, BUT what is happening there and bars/pubs/prostitution so open,Dont use muslim country word unnecessary. Just say its indecent act what happened.

You don't write for IQ, by any chance?

Anonymous said...

ITP's reaction is understandable - they're terrified (7 Days style) the scandal could be used to mess with their licenses, or be used by a certain government owned media group to encroach on their territory. ("All media groups have to demonstrate their loyalty").

Watching all this spiral out of control is really interesting, but it does illustrate the dangers facing even the largest media house. All the gleeful misogynists might want to consider the bigger picture before continuing to pile on.

Anonymous said...

You can have sex on Brighton Beach?

Anonymous said...

can anyone send picture of her, not able to find anywhere...thanks.

Anonymous said...

Whilst I don't agree with what the poor girl has done- haven't we all done things that are wrong here? Imagine if it was you or your sister or a really good friend? Brunches are lethal here and we are an expat nation of binge drinkers...and things like this can happen when all caution is thrown to the wind. It is such a shame they were so drunk they didn't just jump in a taxi when they got the first warning! We all have to remember where we are and keep a little nugget of sanity in our heads when out drinking and not get absolutely legless and unable to make a judgement call. I hope they get a really short sentence and get out of here as quickly as possible and can get back to living a sowewhat normal life and put this horror behind them. And let this be a lesson to everyone- we have to behave and we have to respect the country we are in.

Anonymous said...

message to all mates as well - send your friends home if they look like getting themselves into trouble!

Anonymous said...

The Foreign Office stated they'e not been charged yet. The cases stated in the newspaper are not the correct ones. She's also not got a case against her for abusing a police officer. This is all just chinese whispers too much gossip but really harming her and her family. Also no legal help from the British Embassy that was a mis quote and they don't offer legal support. Please no pictures she's been punished enough already and awaiting the courts.

anon_hack said...

we are an expat nation of binge drinkers.

You say that like it's some kind of excuse - it's actually bloody shameful. And these are people in their thirties not teenagers. But I agree with you that a lot of people need a wake-up call and to start remembering that Dubai is not Ibiza.

Anonymous said...

to anon_hack....sorry you must have misunderstood me....what I meant was we typify "binge drinking" out here...work really hard all week then go for it at a brunch where we have absolutely no clue how many glasses of bubbly we have actually drunk...as many as possible seems to be the goal...all crammed into 3 or 4 hours...if that's not a binge I don't know what is? I was not meaning it as an excuse but as an explanation....nice, normal respectful people during the week turned into a brunch monster on a Friday kind of thing! Hope that helps explain what I meant.

Anonymous said...

These people didn't hurt anyone. Sex in public is fun, erotic and exciting and we've probably all done it at one point in our lives - just we haven't been unfortunate enough to get caught. I hope they get off with a slap on the hand and back to life. They have already paid a high price.

anon_hack said...

Hope that helps explain what I meant.

Sure, point taken sorry. The whole thing is a nightmare and I am sure they both bitterly regret it. It's the police officer element that is most concerning, because of that I can't see a pardon coming soon.

Anonymous said...

Have lived in Dubai and now in Malaysia, where I read this from, and to be honest, there are number of things you do and don't do in both countries. Saying that, add a bit of alcohol into the mix and all rational reasoning goes out of the window. Hell, if you ever argue with my gf, rational reasoning is probably never in the mix! I feel for the poor girl, but if she did bash the policeman - my sympathy dwindles dramatically. That said, having the world mocking & judging you is bad enough and getting sacked & deported wont be a bed of roses either, thus I hope that she spends a couple of days in clink and then be sent home - cant see it happening unfortunately though.

Anonymous said...

Damn! This could be the end of all-you-can drink brunches.

Anonymous said...

i betya the cellar and irish village will be alive with all the gossip once the itp'ers are released for the weekend.

Anonymous said...

Hands up who got refused a job with ITP?

Why all the bile directed at the company? They have handled this in the best possible way. Kept quiet, made a decision, which is the right one, and issued a statement acordingly. It is not a happy situation when a Dubai-based company's name is splashed all over Al Arabyia News connected with a Muslim slur that may or may never have actually happened.

It is not their fault that one of their staff got too drunk to show any kind of moral or social restraint. Did they force-feed her the booze?

And as for you sad little hacks, for that is sadly what the majority of your are, I hope that you will look back on this thread and feel proud of they way you have circled the carcass of this rather silly girl's career like a bunch of underfed sharks.

Let's hope you can all show better judgement when you come rolling, pissed, out of your boozy brunches tomorrow and that wished chickens do not come home to roost.

It makes me sad to be part of an industry that treats its own in this way.

Anonymous said...

The "ITPers" decided that the best way of dealing with the situation was to go ahead with their pre-planned company party last night. Needless to say, everyone got slaughtered, and not everyone woke up in their own beds (you know who you are...). That's the spirit...

Anonymous said...

anon 15.49 - news flash. it's possible that people who don't like itp may have never applied for a job with them, let alone been rejected.

Anonymous said...

From ITP's website:
ETHICAL POLICY
ITP has a policy of conducting its affairs in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations of the countries in which it operates and is committed to following the highest standards of business ethics. Any customer, supplier, competitor or other person who comes into contact with the company, whether through direct interaction with the company's staff or through one of the company's media, has the right to expect to be dealt with fairly, honestly and with integrity.
Similarly, the company believes that its staff should have the right to work in an open, fair and clear environment with clear policies and procedures and a commitment from the company to ensuring that the working environment at ITP is free of discrimination, intolerance and unprofessional conduct.

Integrity, honesty, forthrightness and fairness are of primary importance in all business relationships involving the Company. The Company expects each employee to deal fairly with the Company's customers, suppliers and competitors and to perform his or her duties in such a manner as to preserve the Company's good name and reputation.

Tom Gara said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Anonymous said...

Handled in the best possible way?

- Only acted once the story appeared in the Sun;
- Left a staff photo accessible so that it could be sent to the world's media;
- Refused to speak to local journalists for three days;
- Sent a clarification statement that inflated its employee numbers (now that's ego!);
- Only released the statement locally when it became apparent that people were getting it off this blog.

Yeah, it's a case study in good corporate governance. Not to mention the fact that the people on the phone to the Sun are ITP employees!

Honestly, try looking closer to home why don't you?

Anonymous said...

In Bahrain we don't have this terrible problem. There aren't any beaches.

Anonymous said...

I hope they find the person who 'sold her out'. No doubt that by flogging it to The Sun (and being offered more to send the photo of her as well) has made her situation more precarious.

Imm sure they will sack the said person for gross misconduct...

Poor girl, sold out and awaiting a nasty punishment...

Anonymous said...

Another Nail in the Dubai Coffin.

This "incident"and Groovrider may very well explain this:

Though nobody dares deviate from the official 'all is well' line, Dubai hotel occupancy is at record lows.

http://emirateseconomist.blogspot.com/

You can have all the hotels you want but this sort of publicity sticks in peoples minds, this won't be about

"sex on the beach"

In the UK it will become

"I can't have sex with my girlfriend in Dubai"

Dubai has had too many scare stories recently irrational fear will set in.

My prediction, it's done for !

Anonymous said...

If ITP stop employing chavs and make some serious changes to their recruitment policy (not that they have one really) - then perhaps this kind of thing won't happen again. ITP used to boast it has the highest number of British employees after Emirates. I think they mean it has the highest number of British chav employees, after Emirates.

Anonymous said...

Sounds like the cop came back for more. He should be the one getting charged.

Anonymous said...

michelle,

just read it today in Sun. Saw you have written on this blog.

Hope it goes ok and u get off.

Dont listen to all the losers on this site, nothing better to do than sit and rant on a blog!!

Laters

N

Anonymous said...

I am sick of expats hoping to get away with it everytime they break the law. Let them make a true fine example of her, send her away for a long time. She is a disgrace to Brits, expats and all females.
If she is a nice, kind, helpful person, who cares? She broke the law, that is not about character reference. She did it. I hope it was the best you ever had and worth it.

Anonymous said...

"Hope it goes ok and you get off"

Hhahahaaaa LMAO. That was awesome. Thanks for making my week, whoever you are.

Anonymous said...

what a joke all the corruption and double standards that take place in Dubai. There should be a news story about the treatment of the people who build the Milton Keynes of the desert, and the fat lazy arabs who take all the bungs..

Anonymous said...

Gerat to see a caring ITP standing by one of its own. Whatever happened to innocent until proven guilty? This woman is being hung out to dry even before she's had her day in court. ITP is doing what it does best. Work people to within an inch of their lives and then dump them at the first sign of trouble.

Anonymous said...

Why did you decline to publish my comment? All I did was comment on the obvious party-capacity of the accused and compliment them both for being martyrs. No harm there. What's wrong with that?

Anonymous said...

Today's update from the Currant Bun: http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/news/article1408594.ece

"Shame of the beach sex Brit".

This is getting a bit over the top now. That's not the Michelle Palmer I know.

Anonymous said...

"Fat lazy Arabs"?

DMO is OK with racial vilification?

meeja tramp said...

"fat lazy Arabs" is no different from "drunken Brits"...We allowed both on this post, so no point trying to accuse DMO of racial bias. The statement doesn't claim that all Arabs or all Brits are like that.

Anonymous said...

Actually, that's exactly what it implies.

Anonymous said...

Oh my goodness...the Currant Bun is really going for it...how terrible...and where did they get that picture from? Who hasn't got a picture of themselves like that that could be used to make them look like a toal p*** head!! What is unbelievable too is the comments from the readers....such small mindedness! Whilst i don't agree with flouting the law and showing disrespect by anyone....it's time to leave the poor girl alone now....her and her family must be in such distress anyway and the CB is just making it all twisted, salacious and horrid!!

Anonymous said...

the photos have probably been sent to the sun by a "friend" and downloaded from facebook or something. this girl was hardly surrounded by people trying to protect her in dubai.

anonymous said...

I imagine hundreds of people the world over get caught in various stages of undress and/or intoxication and fined/arrested for it. Why does this warrant front page attention from the sun and hundreds of comments?

My guess is that due to all the media attention she will get a very light sentence.

Anonymous said...

Of course, the likes of Dubai media obersever will censor offensive comments about a horny expat brit, but a comment about "fat lazy Arabs" is entirely acceptible.

Same trash as the horny brit. Your kind needs to be put on the next flight back to your villages.

Anonymous said...

I hear the sun paid 64,000 pounds for the leak. I would leak it too. It makes sure to filter out the trash from our city, and makes me rich at the same time.

Anonymous said...

See some of her so called friends of hers have sold her out for a shilling...that picture in the Sun is all current/ex ITP girls...

Anonymous said...

ITP (or more so members of its staff) should hang its head in shame for its dealing of this. One would hope there will be recriminations internally.

But the question I have is: Why do News International seemingly dislike Andrew Neill so much? I'm sure there must be history I have missed?

Anonymous said...

It doesnt sound like she was a 'chav'as people who kn ow her said she was a hard working memeber of ITP in a fairly senior position (nd on more than £28k pa as The Sun claims)

Just sounds like too much drink and not in full control of herself (obviously)

On another note, there are too many wrong sorts coming to Dubai. The place has changed in the last 2 years. More drunks, more fights, more oiks...

ITP recruiting more wrong sorts...well with this sort of publicity, would anyone sensible want to come across now? The barrell is being scraped because the revolving door is so bad I hear, that they will take whatever they can

Anonymous said...

I think everyone is missing the point made by the 'fat lazy @@@@' person. It's related to all the publicity this is getting when there is actually far worse acts of prostitution, bribes, treatment of humans building the place... do I need to go on..

Anonymous said...

the papers are still running this story - wonder if there's a bit of an anti-Dubai backlash going on in the UK media?

Anonymous said...

I think this exaggerated coverage and backlash in the british media is for the best, and I'm pretty sure the authorities agree.

It makes sure that the kind of Brits we attract to Dubai aren't the former taxi drivers and plumbers we have been doing for a few years now. It keeps away those who think they just wanna have some fun here, and brings in the serious, smart kind. I've met a lot of smart, law abiding, decent brits here but unfortunately the village-kind seem to be giving them a bad rep.

I'm all for having a thriving british community here, and for filtering out the Jade Goody-type trash

Anonymous said...

Anonymous @ 01:14

No, you don't need to go on about prostitution, which is present in every community on the planet, or the plight of labourers, bribes or anything else unrelated to the topic being discussed.

Fat, lazy Arabs is the same as saying hook nosed, money lending Jews, or any other racially specific insult. People excuse racist language on the basis that they aren't personally racist, but they are.

Anonymous said...

everyone in racist to an extent, throughout this string of comments there have been references to tosspot cockneys, chavs. While I can understand why as they are the annoying export of british society, I still feel that this has got all out of hand, and if this is front page news all over the UK then thats a very sad place to be in.

Dubai will attract these noveau rich (or those Essex boys and girls who aspire to be), so get used to it. Dubai is the Essex boy of London, new, loud, brash, full of itself, common, selfish. I'm sure there will be a lot more shagging on the beach going on, as that's the type of people Dubai will attract.

Anonymous said...

michelle is a kind and good lass and doesnt deserve all this back stabbing. in the course of doing her job well she had to fire many incompetants. those incompetants are the ones so swift to lash out now. if only the had put so much effort into their work...

fingers and toes crossed for you michelle.

Anonymous said...

"michelle is a kind and good lass and doesnt deserve all this back stabbing"

Kind and good she may be, but she's also drunk and stupid. And this isn't back-stabbing. Back stabbing is conspiring against someone without their knowledge, in order to kill them, or damage them in some way. None of the people here are responsible for her situation: there's no conspiracy here. We're not trying to damage her - she accomplished that all on her own (with the help of some bloke whose name she probably didn't even know). What we are doing is gloating at her misfortune, an entirely different thing.

Whether she deserves to have a bunch of invisible internet commenters gloat at her is a different question, but in our defense, she did speak to The Sun newspaper, and well, when you're appealing to the Sun's audience for understanding you're pretty much fair game in my book.

Anonymous said...

Yeah, fingers and toe crossing.

Coz that always works in Arab legislature.

Saddam was also crossing his fingers and toes, and look what happened to him.

Anonymous said...

Rumors are coming out that some 70 odd people were arrested over the weekend on UAE beaches for inappropriate dress/behavior!

Can anyone shed any light on this?

Anonymous said...

http://www.gulfnews.com/nation/Police_and_The_Courts/10228444.html


story in gulf news today


So what exactly constitutes indecency?

Neil Petch in a thong? Yeah lock him up and throw away the key.

Anonymous said...

Now this blog attacked by Gulf News editorial. Priceless

www.lovedxb.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=41

Anonymous said...

http://www.shobiklobik.com/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=145442

This is such a shokker, poor gerl. Perhaps we can help by brainstormin a few product sponsors/job offers to support her in the future. Seems she's a bit of a celeb now, so offers should be flying in:

a) Presenter of Dubai One's version of Moment of Truth
b) holiday substitute for HerSay
c) even special guest for 'Out & About'
d) The new face of alcaseltza?
e) holiday writer for the Bun
...

Anonymous said...

a jumped up high and mighty column from the Gulf News - who also ran the story.

Anonymous said...

Not only did GN run the story, they said that the pair had gotten married, which is wrong. And so far as I know the author of the op ed has no journalistic background beyond GN - stones and houses indeed... Rob

Anonymous said...

I like the line from Nicohlas Coates complaining that the people blogging are "journalists who probably would have failed in any society".

So why doesn't Gulf News just stop its staff from posting here then?

Anonymous said...

I feel quite sorry for her,all of a sudden her life has turned into a nightmare with people crawling out the woodwork to say what a drunk or slapper she is.Her reputation here and at home is ruined and she probably doesnt know who she can trust.
Yes what she did was stupid,but hasnt she been punished enough?
These all you can drink deals surely should look at their policy and stop serving drinks to people who clearly have had enough,yes nobody forced her to drink,but you have to be prepared for things like this to happen if its actively encouraged to get blind drunk for 200 plus dhs in the middle of the afternoon.
I cant believe the kind of media attention this has attracted and yet a young boy was gang raped here and thought he might have had hiv,I dont recall anyone getting too wound up about that.

Anonymous said...

That Gulf News article is one of the most pompous, appallingly written pieces of tripe I've ever come across. A prime example of Dubai journalism at its worst. Do they employ primary school children in senior positions on GN because it sure seems so to me.

Anyway, in all of this, I blame the employers. Surely, as part of any proper induction process, it should be spelled out very clearly to newcomers: "Thou shalt not shag on Jumeirah Beach nor whack a policeman with a high heeled shoe". Just how is a girl supposed to know right from wrong unless it is made clear???

Anonymous said...

Nic 'o' las is backing Miss Palmer as firstly he has knowledge of her, and secondly he has carnal knowledge.

Luckily though they had the foresight to get a room!!

Anonymous said...

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1034765/Briton-held-Dubai-got-blame-says-police-commander.html

Daily Mail claims to have an anonymous Police Interview...

Anonymous said...

They probably werent even having sex,but that wont matter now as anyone who has ever known this girl seems ready to give fuel to the fire,even people who were at the same brunch venue are giving interviews to the gutter press.
I have heard of people being arrested and having their passports taken for having a kiss and not being married,and they were on holiday.
It is so easy to forget you are in a Muslim country with strict penaltys.Perhaps a public flogging would make some people feel that justice is being done.Then go back to their perfect world where they do no wrong.

Anonymous said...

I just went sunbathing in my bedroom.

Anonymous said...

http://www.alarabiya.net/articles/2008/07/14/53061.html
this speaks for itself...

Anonymous said...

anon 12.22 - sounds like the annual ITP staff meeting was held in greece this year.

Anonymous said...

I love the 'related stories' there on Al-Arabiya:

Drunk Brits arrested having sex on Dubai beach

Drunk British student finds "key" to a good time

Drunk British pilots break into UAE sheikh's limo

Pilgrims retrace drunken British bishop's route

Anonymous said...

Its all the bloody djs fault,I have never enjoyed dancing to dexys midnight runners,american pie,chumbawumba,so what else to do except get trashed and shimmy along with the rest of the brits.

Anonymous said...

She only she'd been a rich, drunk arab male raping a western woman then she would have got off entirely.

Anonymous said...

what ever happened to the guy who ran the ex pat womman over by Le Meridien Airport...road rage incident???

Anonymous said...

Dunno..try searching on a news site, instead of a media blog? Just a suggestion.

Anonymous said...

Anonymous (28th July 0231)- use your noddle. Do you think the papers will cover it, if a local is let off from driving over a western woman (and reversing over her again,so the story goes)?

He claimed they were drunk and in the middle of the road. Eye witnesses, says it was clear road rage as he was delayed by the passengers getting out of a cab...

This post is all about rumours and myths, hence the question...

Anonymous said...

The international press might cover it - Dubai's image outside is far different to that inside.

Anonymous said...

'Hot off the press' to quote our anon leader, just heard that the legal teams in the UAE and UK are turning attention to the details of how it got out so quick and spread to the global press. Cash rewards have been mentioned. Apparently crucial in the case how in a matter of hours it was whipping round dubai. Anyone know anything? I don't know the people being charged but have just heard this and been asked to pass around. Have read blogs and some of the UK press and from other folk heard mainly un-truths in stories. Apparently very urgent to find out original sell-out to the current bun if anybody knows anything? Cheers

Anonymous said...

One story and pics was from a girl that use to work for her who's currently pregnant and left on a sour note. Original story would have been somebody at ITP as internal picture.

Anonymous said...

I thought we all knew who the original seller was? It's been alluded to often enough...

Anonymous said...

Hmm. Who there has previously worked for a London red-top and is known for his unscrupulous behaviour?

Anonymous said...

Heard there's some pics of the incident. Anyone know?