Conner Shoves Off as New Zealand TV Interviewer Lowers the Boom
America’s Cup yachtsman Dennis Conner today walked out of a studio interview with Television New Zealand interviewer Paul Holmes after Holmes played old video footage of him insulting New Zealanders.
Conner sailed the San Diego Yacht Club catamaran Stars and Stripes to an America’s Cup victory over New Zealand monohull Kiwi Magic off San Diego last September. That victory last week was overturned by a New York Supreme Court judge.
Conner traded insults and swore at members of the New Zealand syndicate after the September races, calling them “losers” and describing the New Zealand boat as a “dog.” Holmes replayed tape of those comments on his nationally televised talk show.
Conner declined to apologize and then politely excused himself. He stood up and walked from the studio while Holmes continued to ask questions.
A Television New Zealand spokesman later said the station had received 300 phone calls about the incident, all but two critical of Holmes’ questions.
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