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I could not agree more with Eddie Dean in his depiction of the most aggravating personality on TV, Channel 4’s George Michael (“Bad Sport,” 12/26/97). This sports commentator isn’t so much a personality as a personality disorder. Louder than any of his guests or co-anchors, George seems almost just a breath away from piping in with his elevated decibels and uninteresting diatribe. His sycophantic interview style is no better. With favorite angle—the athlete struggling through adversity to reach glory—I am surprised that each back-slap session doesn’t end up with George mounting the subject’s leg, like the proverbial lap dog in heat.

But yes, there is this irresistible urge to suffer George Michael for a few minutes before switching channels, and what’s more, it doesn’t seem to wholly related to the fact that if we watch enough, Doreen Gentzler will come back on. In his article, Dean aptly describes this macabre fascination by the idea that we might be “hypnotized by the sheer odiousness of this individual.” If indeed we are, then this is an ability that even Bob Saget (of America’s Funniest Home Videos) doesn’t share.

But in reading the article, it is good to know that I am not alone in my revulsion for Georgie—and I have recently stumbled upon yet others who find themselves in the same predicament. At a local restaurant (Coppi’s on Connecticut Avenue)—a favorite haunt of George too, I’m told—a few customers have recently founded a “Loathe George Michael Society.” However, it is a testament to the man that enrollment had to be closed down because of the large numbers involved. That virtually all the staff signed up for membership (and the monthly newsletter) is some indication that this man is no less odious off the air than he is on it. See Deirdre behind the bar for next open enrollment.

Foxhall

via the Internet