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Colbert vs Branson: the Beard Strikes Back!
Uh-oh: it’s all kicking off now. Just when you thought it was safe to go back in the water, the Stephen Colbert vs Richard Branson feud today reaches a new zenith. Or, if you like, nadir. See below as the embattled Virgin boss hits back…
The story so far: since Project Issue 3 cover hit the metaphorical newsstand last month, US TV host Stephen Colbert has been making hay mocking Project’s maverick, gently-bearded owner Sir Richard Branson. The issue? Colbert’s challenge to Branson of a yacht race from Charleston, South Carolina to Bermuda. Indeed, those with time on their hands may have been following the contretemps on Twitter, with Colbert repeatedly mocking Branson for his “tiny spinnaker”, among other things. But now, the so-called “Sir Dick” responds:
“Dear Stephen Colbert and Project Magazine readers,
I hope you all got the chance to read my interview with US television pundit and cultural icon Stephen Colbert in issue #3 of Project. During the interview, Stephen challenged me to a sailing race in May. Obviously Stephen has a great love of sailing and the ocean. I share his passion, as the ocean is home to incredible wonders that have not yet been explored and to millions of species that we must work to protect. And of course, you all know that I love a challenge. But as much as I would like to take on Stephen to show him who is the titan of the ocean, I have a more daunting opponent to vanquish that week.
Virgin America, the airline that’s bringing fun back to US domestic travel, is launching its long-awaited service to Chicago on May 25. Perhaps I will blow some wind beneath Stephen’s sails: maybe we will fly to Chicago on his beloved plane Air Colbert? That way, I will do my bit to help him win both the Charleston seas and the Chicago skies.
So until we meet again, Stephen, feel free to borrow the phrase, “I’m the greatest sailor in the world.” Just don’t get too cozy with it! And for the record, following on from Stephen’s twittersphere taunts, my spinnaker is far from tiny. Unless he wants a repeat of 2007, he’d better watch it…Richard
(PS Issue #3 features a video of our champion facing a storm of his own making. Be sure to download his humiliation.)”
Colbert? The ball’s in your court.
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7 Comments
This is by far the best match-up I’ve seen in centuries!
Richard, You and Stephen will have a better time to sail The Sail, perhaps from Chicago, Lake Michigan to Mackinaw Island; a great race full of fun guys&some girls. The treat at the end is a global wonder of awe and entertainment. In the meantime, I am so proud of you to be taking this expansion of flights for VirgnAmerica into the Midwest; you won’t be disappointed. I have been spreading the word!! Best of luck, Sir R. Stephen, look forward, you will have a double outlook for experience when the time is right. Watch for the launch of Chicago birthing of VirginAmerica to the rest of world, little by little. This is one big step for the Midwest; one big step for Chicago O’Hare May 2, 2011. kk
Glad to see Richard is not letting Mr CoalBert get to him or sinking down to his level over this silliness. Glad to know his spinnaker is not tiny, lol. Even though it’s been over ten years since I’ve flown, I want to thank you for Virgin America airline. Glad to see at least one airline that is actually still trying to please their customers! Perhaps I will get to fly your friendly skies someday…
This is totally classic and hysterical! Stephen Colbert just wishes he could be a titan like SRB. And if a repeat of the 2007 incident happens, I hope for two things: (1) that it is caught on camera, and (2) that SRB throws something else besides water- even though that would be funny to watch! And as far as the “tiny spinnaker” is concerened: It is often said that people who “slam” people for something it is because it is true about themselves!
Let me know if anyone there is interested in setting a trans-Atlantic speed record.
(friend me on facebook to see album of concept(s))
Richard’s Spinnaker can beat Colbert’s any day of the week and twice on Sundays! Go Richard!
DO it Sir Branson! Man up and face the challenge!