From scandalous confessions to controversial remarks, here are the most memorable quotes of 2023
“I mounted her quickly, after which she spanked my ass and sent me away”
In his memoir “Spare,” exiled Prince Harry opens up about losing his virginity to an older woman, describing it as a wild encounter.
“I am human. Politicians are human. For me, it’s time…”
After five and a half years as the Prime Minister of New Zealand, Jacinda Ardern announces her resignation, stating that it’s time for a change.
“This doesn’t happen to people like me very often”
Popstar Harry Styles expresses his disbelief after winning Album of the Year at the Grammy Awards, acknowledging the criticism he later faced for not addressing his white privilege.
“Nobody has ever committed a crime after being executed. You know that, don’t you? 100% success rate.”
Tory deputy chairman Lee Anderson makes a bold statement, advocating for harsh punishments and utilizing an unusual logic.
“I didn’t know the word subpoena! I didn’t know the word grand jury!… I didn’t know that they want to lynch you for doing nothing wrong.”
Former President Donald Trump speaks about his legal troubles, expressing his ignorance of certain legal terms and claiming innocence.
“It’s a litre of Absolut vodka, a litre of Southern Comfort, about ten bottles of blue WKD and a litre of orange juice. It’s really good.”
Labour deputy Angela Rayner shares the recipe for her favorite alcoholic drink, called “Venom,” revealing her penchant for partying.
“An immeasurably cruel policy directed at the most vulnerable people in language that is not dissimilar to that used by Germany in the 30s”
Former footballer Gary Lineker criticizes the government’s immigration policies, comparing them to the language used during the rise of Nazism.
“Firstly, are you OK?”
Holly Willoughby attempts to reassure viewers following Philip Schofield’s departure from “This Morning,” while newsreader Huw Edwards also leaves his job amidst a scandal.
“He was a hell of a rugby player. He beat the hell out of the Black and Tans”
President Joe Biden makes a gaffe, confusing the All Blacks rugby team with the British military force that caused turmoil in Ireland.
“This is boring. We can never be on time”
King Charles expresses his irritation as his carriage arrives early at his own coronation, according to lip readers.
“I know that they want to get a scalp, they want to win, but it ain’t happening…”
Tennis champion Novak Djokovic remains humble after a victory at Wimbledon but later suffers a defeat in an epic final against Carlos Alcaraz.
“One day J [Justin] and I were in New York… J got all excited and said so loud ‘oh yeah, fo’ shiz fo’ shiz, Ginuwine, what’s up homie?'”
Britney Spears reveals an embarrassing moment involving her ex-boyfriend Justin Timberlake, recounting his cringe-worthy attempt at mimicking African American Vernacular English.
“For the privileges committee to use its prerogatives in this anti-democratic way, to bring about what is intended to be the final knife-thrust in a protracted political assassination – that is beneath contempt”
Ex-PM Boris Johnson resigns as an MP, condemning the committee’s findings against him as a “kangaroo court” and maintaining his innocence.
“He was a man of complicated fate, and he made serious mistakes in his life…”
Russian President Vladimir Putin pays tribute to the late Yevgeny Prigozhin, the former Wagner chief who died in a plane crash after an attempted coup.
“Amidst this litany of astonishing, rather baroque attacks, are some very serious allegations that I absolutely refute”
Comedian Russell Brand vehemently denies allegations of sexual misconduct, using his trademark rhetorical flair to defend himself.
“Multiculturalism… has failed because it allowed people to come to our society and live parallel lives in it”
Then Home Secretary Suella Braverman sparks controversy with her statement on multiculturalism, suggesting that it has not been successful in integrating different communities.
“For the damage and the loss, it was a scary time, and I’m sorry for that.”
Former Chancellor Kwasi Kwarteng apologizes for his disastrous mini-budget in 2022, while Liz Truss remains unapologetic in her role as his successor.
“F**k off!”
England Goalkeeper Mary Earps celebrates saving a penalty in the women’s World Cup final, displaying her competitive spirit despite her team’s eventual loss.
“Stand up and fight… stand up and fight”
Politician Penny Mordaunt repeats the phrase multiple times in a speech to the Tory conference, urging her party’s members to unite rather than engage in internal conflicts.
“I glittered my hair ready for the occasion”
Labour leader Keir Starmer jokes about a protester pouring glitter on his head during his conference speech, demonstrating his ability to find humor in unexpected situations.
“We will be radical… It is time for a change.”
Rishi Sunak attempts to inspire the Tory party faithful, positioning himself as a candidate for change despite his party being in power for 13 years.
“First, it’s the news headlines… no it’s not. We’re going straight to me… as we just said… erm… we… apprehended… the terror man… it’s all gone wrong”
GB News presenter Martin Daubney experiences a live on-air mishap while reporting on an escaped convict, highlighting the challenges faced by the channel throughout the year.
“You know, the bottom-pinching guy … what was his name? Chris Pincher”
Parliamentarian Nadine Dorries adopts an odd tone as she references a case of sexual harassment, revealing a lack of sensitivity in her remarks.
“If someone is going to try to blackmail me with advertising… Go f*** yourself. Go f*** yourself. Is that clear? I hope it is.”
Elon Musk bluntly responds to advertisers who withdrew their support from his social media platform X (formerly known as Twitter), displaying his assertive approach.
“I’m the author of that book, I hold my hands up and say I should’ve done better”
Labour Shadow Chancellor Rachel Reeves admits to some instances of plagiarism in her book about female economists, taking responsibility for her oversight.
“We are not ready to give our freedom to this f**king terrorist Putin. That’s it.”
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expresses his country’s determination to resist Russian aggression, emphasizing their commitment to preserving their independence.
“We cannot allow our streets to be taken over by rows of tents occupied by people… living on the streets as a lifestyle choice”
Suella Braverman sparks controversy once again with her contentious statement about homelessness, suggesting that individuals choose to live on the streets as a lifestyle.
“I’m a bit tired, but I don’t think I’ve had a funny turn… David Cameron has just walked up the street and gone into 10 Downing Street”
BBC journalist Henry Zeffman reacts to the surprise return of former PM David Cameron as the Foreign Secretary, highlighting the unexpected nature of the political landscape.
“Is this what it’s come to?”
Nigel Farage reflects on his experience eating unpleasant food during his time on the reality TV show “I’m a Celebrity,” questioning the state of affairs in his own career.
“I always found it interesting that people say, ‘Well, Lauren, you definitely dress more for men.’ I actually dress for myself.”
Lauren Sanchez, the fiancée of Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos, discusses her personal style in an interview with Vogue, emphasizing that her fashion choices are driven by her own preferences.
“On my life, on my family’s life”
Royal writer Omid Scobie vehemently denies intentionally naming “royal racists” in the Dutch version of his book, leading to the recall of affected copies.