Conservative British pundit Darren Grimes has a many a groan-worthy take on the world, from campaigning in favor of Brexit (that worked out well) to launching a “safe space” for homophobes.
His latest gripe involves wearing masks in businesses — you know, that public safety measure to curb the spread of COVID-19 that’s somehow become a political issue.
Related: Antigay lawmaker compares himself to “Jews in Nazi Germany” as he chainsaws a mask in half
UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced Tuesday that masks must be worn inside shops, prompting Grimes to broadcast his displeasure. No, worse. His dread.
How about we take this to the next level?
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“I know many will tell me of my selfishness for this,” he wrote on Twitter, “but I despise wearing a mask and dread the compulsory wearing of them. They’re so dehumanising. You miss a smile, you can miss dialogue and social interaction with staff. They’re the most miserable public health initiative yet.”
I know many will tell me of my selfishness for this, but I despise wearing a mask and dread the compulsory wearing of them. They're so dehumanising. You miss a smile, you can miss dialogue and social interaction with staff. They're the most miserable public health initiative yet.
— Darren Grimes (@darrengrimes_) July 13, 2020
Well, he got one thing right. Folks were quick to point out his selfishness, as many people are missing a whole lot more than “smiles and dialogue” during this crisis.
Here’s some of the response:
You'll "dread" wearing a mask? I suppose you'll be OK with a ventilator then. https://t.co/otQwhZ2tS0
— Warren Morgan ?? (@warrenmorgan) July 13, 2020
shockingly, Darren — and you might want to sit down a moment whilst you take this one in — your discomfort when it comes to wearing a mask, is significantly less important than our collective efforts to combat the spread of this potentially deadly virus to our fellow citizens. ????? https://t.co/fXzOS864qF
— Adrian A Harrop ????? (@AdrianHarrop) July 14, 2020
i miss my grandma that i can’t see else she might die https://t.co/CkwPEUn8WF
— a bike (@aaronmasg) July 14, 2020
Fucking put and mask on and shut up. This isn’t about you, it’s about helping the most vulnerable in our society both be able to leave their houses once in a while and not die because they have. https://t.co/z3q0FidoWp
— Luke Dyks ?? (@LukeDyks) July 14, 2020
Darren I despise being entirely unable to live independently 3.5 months after catching the virus just wear a sodding mask https://t.co/6InQqWvBek
— Callum O'Dwyer (@callumjodwyer) July 14, 2020
Many people on the right struggling with compulsory mask wearing, even though the evidence shows it benefits us all, are really disgruntled because they struggle with collectivism, doing something for another. It is all me me me. Not we we we. It is political.
— Laura Pidcock (@LauraPidcock) July 14, 2020
Some responses were markedly less educational:
Who the fuck is smiling when Darren Grimes arrives? pic.twitter.com/lIfmYkNKoC
— Mic Wright (@brokenbottleboy) July 14, 2020
ThinkPlease
Put on a damn mask, idiot. You aren’t that cute, nobody thinks you’re that cute for making a “stand,” and your ten seconds of “fame” are already over.
And no, Trumpy isn’t going to feature you on-stage because there won’t be that many stages left before he’s out in January amongst a pile of American coffins. Just. Go. Away. Already.
Mister P
The LGBTQ community is very inclusive, but do we have to include him.
trojanboy
I thought cuckoos came out in Spring and its high summer now.
paul dorian lord fredine
poor thing, doesn’t want a mask to hide his pretty face and interfere with his cruising. selfish twat.
IanHunter
He would look better if he wore the mask. I know I do.
Cam
The united factor with all right wingers, is the utter selfishness and hatred of the rest of humanity.
Gay Thomas
This is one of your most piercing, spot on comments ever, Cam. Well done.
Chipper
This guy, as are others, that say they do not like to wear a mask. are IDIOTS! he would not want a surgeon to operate without a mask on. And some surgeries last 8 to 12 hrs. He thinks he is noticeable, well his 15 minutes of fame went away, a long time ago. If everyone wore a mask when out in public or in a crowd, the virus would be curtailed. But it is because of idiots like him that the virus is spreading. Wear a mask and distance yourself, a life could depend on you!
startenout
Darling, just wear a cute mask; it can only bolster that bland face.
barryaksarben
YOU have an ugly mug so a msk is a better option for you as people imagination may get you laid more often.
Jon in Canada
Fugly Self-important Entitled Nellie Little Queen of absolutely no value says what now?
Should this oxygen thief ever present itself to the NHS with symptoms, toss it in a freezer and walk away.
rocknstan
We “Dreadfulls” and everyone else should continue to wear the masks.
There are far fewer ventilators, and they are so cumbersome.
Have people always been as stupid as they are now?
@dusyk
Well ok, Bye Felisha!!
DavidIntl
Maybe it is just that I truly despise mob mentality, but I am willing to cut this guy some slack (and those that are criticising his appearance should really take a step back – at least based on the photo shown by Queerty he is definitely a cutey in my book). The entire planet is in a panic over coronavirus. Panic leads to irrational reactions, and as much as I love all of you guys, it seems like most of you have bought into it. How about we just get on with our lives? Or at least, not freak out when others choose to do so…
kevininbuffalo
I agree with you. I too despise the mob mentality which is always on display here on Queerty and Darren is a definite cutie. Since everything in the Gay world is based on appearance I suppose to take a shot at someone’s looks is the best most gays can do.
Btw, about the only problem I’ve seen with Brexit was the Remoaners trying to overturn the referendum they lost.
scotshot
An irrational reaction to Covid-19 is asking / requiring others to wear a mask? Please…
DavidIntl
Thanks for your support, kevininbuffalo. I guess I should just clarify that personally I think Brexit was a seriously bad move – though I admit that I am saying that as someone who has an EU passport, and who – although I never really had any intention of living and working in the UK – Spain has so much better weather, and outlook on life balances – still felt the sting of having been rejected by our UK brethren. Still, why can’t we have a diversity of opinion? I would gladly have an intellectually-stimulating debate on international politics with Darren… before retiring to the bedroom.
Chrisk
DavidIntl
I don’t know where you live but the United States leads the world now when it comes to the number of Corona virus cases. 3 million to date and 135,000 deaths. All because of dipshits like David and his dislike of masks.
He looks like a 12 yo lesbian btw.
Preppy1000
What an idiot! You know what? I don’t like wearing a mask either but I do it to protect my life or the lives of others. Just shut up put on a fu*king mask!
clhs
I’m English and I’ve never heard of this little trail of cat-sick. Why does he have a blue tick and why would anyone care what he thinks about anything?
Tartan
Note to editor: Stop quoting a tweet and then posting the tweet. It’s repetitive and annoying.