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What was the most catastrophic 'hot mic' moment in history? (hexbear.net)

submitted 1 year ago by [email protected] to c/[email protected]

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For anyone who hasn't heard the term, a 'hot mic' moment is when someone is done speaking on a microphone, but them makes an offhanded comment to themselves or someone, intended to be private, that is picked up by the mic and heard by everyone

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[–] [email protected] 37 points 1 year ago

not a hot mic, but Ratner gaffe is funny.

He said: "We also do cut-glass sherry decanters complete with six glasses on a silver-plated tray that your butler can serve you drinks on, all for £4.95. People say, 'How can you sell this for such a low price?' I say, because it's total crap."

He added "We even sell a pair of gold earrings for under £1, which is cheaper than a prawn sandwich from Marks & Spencer. But I have to say that the sandwich will probably last longer than the earrings."

After the speech, the value of the Ratner group plummeted by around £500 million, which very nearly resulted in the group's collapse. Ratner hired a chairman in an attempt to stabilise the situation, and was dismissed by the new company chairman in November 1992. The group changed its name to Signet Group in September 1993.

the world wasn't ready for him