What is the worst 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 Pauline Black said elsewhere, not written here
I was called the N-word in Romford, by someone stepping off a train as I was getting on.

The Q&A, The Guardian, 12 April 2025 source ↗

Others on this question

View all 122 →
“What is Seann Walsh and how do we make it die?” It was online, thankfully. It wasn’t in Sainsbury’s.
Recorded The Q&A, The Guardian, 31 January 2026 source ↗
Michael Ball English singer, presenter and actor
“Unfortunately, Michael, I don’t think you’re ever going to work in the acting profession until you’re about 40, and then it’ll only be in minor character roles.” Drama teacher at Guildford School of Acting.
Recorded The Guardian, The Q&A, The Guardian, 20 May 2023 source ↗
Rosie Jones British comedian and actress
“You’re not funny.” I fully understand why my comedy might not be right for everyone, but don’t tell me, get on with your day!
Recorded The Guardian, The Q&A, The Guardian, 31 December 2022 source ↗
Edward Bond, the playwright, said I was like a turd flowing on the effluent of British culture.
Recorded The Q&A, The Guardian, 28 February 2026 source ↗

More from Pauline Black

View profile →

More on failure & regret

Also answered this

Rita Wilson, Charles Collingwood, Monica Dolan, Layton Williams, Hamza Yassin, Roger McGough

Search the directory for somebody in particular.

Explore further

Report this answer