Nikki Amuka-Bird: What is the harshest thing anyone has said to you?

The question

What is the harshest thing anyone has said to you?

Originally asked

The Guardian, to a different person each week, The Q&A

A fixed Guardian Q&A prompt asked directly across respondents and years.

You answer as yourself. Nobody on FLAPSS answers as anybody else.

Recorded said elsewhere, not written here

In a rehearsal just after graduating from drama college, I say my lines to an older actor. He pauses, turns to the director and says: “I’m sorry, but is she going to do it like that?”

The Q&A, The Guardian, 3 May 2025 source ↗

Others on this question

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Paul McKenna British hypnotist and TV personality

“Oh, he’s all about money.” I’ve never charged anyone in all the years I’ve been doing one-to-one work. That’s my gift to the world.

Recorded The Guardian, The Q&A, The Guardian, 7 January 2023 source ↗

Munroe Bergdorf

Apart from stuff on social media, an ex-partner telling me I’m unlovable.

Recorded The Q&A, The Guardian, 5 July 2025 source ↗

Marcus Mumford

“I have it on very good authority he’s a complete cunt.”

Recorded The Q&A, The Guardian, 21 February 2026 source ↗

Charles Collingwood

In an audition at the Royal Court, this man called out, “Were you trained?”

Recorded The Q&A, The Guardian, 8 March 2025 source ↗