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Estelle Slams Paxman For Dizzee Affront
Alex Denney , December 18th, 2008 10:16

Rascal taken for an "idiot" by Newsnight presenter, says r 'n' b star

estelle

Estelle has laid into Newsnight presenter Jeremy Paxman for treating Dizzee Rascal like an "idiot" on the November 5th edition of the show.

The 'American Boy' singer condemned Paxman's shoddy treatment of Rascal - real name Dylan Mills - during a video interview in connection with the US presidential elections.

Paxman's quizzing of the London grime artist about whether he felt himself to be British and if he would ever consider entering politics landed him in hot water with critics who felt he was being condescending after the programme aired last month.

Now Estelle has weighed into the debate, telling The New Statesman: "I was like, 'He is taking you for an idiot right now! Did no-one brief you?' Paxman's not going to get away with asking me, 'Do I think I'm British?'"

The BBC responded to Estelle's comments with: "The topics being discussed were race, nationality and identity, and this question was a natural part of that discussion."

In other news, Rascal was arrested on Friday (December 12th) on suspicion of being in possession of an offensive weapon. He was released on bail until next month.

Watch the interview here: