Thick as bat s**t! New Zealand PM accused of slur against Beckham

PUBLISHED: 04:59 EST, 5 November 2012 | UPDATED: 05:23 EST, 5 November 2012

David Beckham's intelligence, or alleged lack of it, could be about to bring down the New Zealand Primer Minister.

John Key stands accused of labeling the former England captain as 'thick as bat s**t' on a recent visit to a school in Auckland, during which he discussed an exhibition match between Beckham's LA Galaxy and the Oceania All-Stars in 2008.

Local media outlet, Radio New Zealand, say the country's leader described Beckham as handsome and 'a really nice guy', before adding the offensive remark.

Scroll down to see video of the New Zealand PM under fire

Shake on it: John Key (left) is accused of making derogatory remarks about David Beckham

But when pressed about the claims, Key refused to confirm or deny what had been said.

'That is someone that thinks they have overheard a conversation I have had,' he said on breakfast television. 'I am not going to engage in that because otherwise I am engaging in every conversation that someone thinks I have.'

The presenter pushed the Prime Minister for an answer, adding, 'can I just clarify that you are saying that you didn’t call David Beckham thick?'

'No, what I am saying is that somebody has overheard a personal conversation and that’s their recollection of it,' Key responded. 'I am just not going to engage in discussions about that. That’s their view.'

Meet and greet: Beckham (above, in action on Sunday) visited New Zealand in 2008

It is not the first time Key has landed himself in trouble, nor indeed is it the only time in the last seven days. He angered the LGBT community on Friday when he referred to a radio presenter's jacket as 'gay'.

When preparing for a golf challenge, he said: 'You're munted mate, you're never going to make it, you've got that gay red top on.'

After the latest gaffe, one user took to Twitter comparing Key with Sacha Baron Cohen's comedy character, Borat.

@guywilliamsguy wrote: 'John Key is quickly becoming to New Zealand what Borat was the Kazakhstan,' in reference to the negative publicity brought on the nation.

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But what if it's true? It's what everybody thinks anyway!

- Jimbo70 , Ireland, Ireland, 05/11/2012 23:24

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Spent most of his school-days learning how to write his autograph.

- Charles Grey , Leatherhead, United Kingdom, 05/11/2012 23:05

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Since I never heard Becks ever say anything I am at a loss as to how anybody can say anything er, ahem. uh...'descriptive' like the PM did. It seems that PM actually heard Becks speak and was appalled at what he heard...simple as that. If Dave is not eloquent, well one has to take his UK background education into consideration. He is a product of his times. I am sure there are millions of UK blokes who are as 'articulate' as Becks is. He strikes me that he knows 'nuff to be able to go to a fish + chips shop and not order a Thai take out.

- pietschka liika , scania, Denmark, 05/11/2012 22:58

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Magaret Habib - Learn the difference between Australia and New Zealand - there is a few hundred miles of ocean separating the two, and to call a New Zealander an Australian is a mortal insult......

- Harry Paget Flashman , Australia, 05/11/2012 22:50

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@Grannie Morton, Newcastle,--- Considering John Key is worth well over NZ$50million (£25million, self-made), is the Prime Minister of NZ and came from a poor state housing area of NZ, I'd say he's done pretty well for himself. He said it in a private conversation. I didn't vote for the guy, but I feel that NZ democracy is a little stronger than for a comment about a footballer to "bring down" our government.

- kiwi92 , Christchurch NZ, 05/11/2012 22:50

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Since when as an honest opinion been a slur . Do not think anyone would say he is the sharpest tool in the box . Just does as he is told by his Spice girls manager.

- castle36 , Nottingham, 05/11/2012 21:32

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Wish my bank account was as thick as his .Trouble with many of you lot you seem to mistake a lack of education for a lack of intellect .Becks never claimed to be anything other than what he is contrary to any politician who allways claim to be honest and in politics only to serve the people.

- horseman , sheffield, 05/11/2012 21:16

Click to rate Rating 16

He's as smart as his wife needs him to be.

- Saryne , Hereford, 05/11/2012 20:52

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god politicians are thick too.

- derrick4real , Los Angeles, United States, 05/11/2012 20:09

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But of course it is TRUE no doubt about it, he is not bad looking, but I am afraid he is not Brat Pit, but I am sorry to say that when he open his mouth everything goes down hill, he may have money, but sadly he is a bit thick and has not class.

- nutty , spain, 05/11/2012 20:02

Click to rate Rating 1

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