Former First Minister of Scotland Nicola Sturgeon faced criticism after using expletives and admitting to a hangover during a public interview at the Edinburgh Fringe.
Sturgeon, speaking to journalist Iain Dale, described a book by one of her critics as "s***" despite stating she had not read it. The event, held at the Edinburgh International Conference Centre, was attended by approximately 600 ticket-paying audience members.
During the hour-long event, Sturgeon informed the audience that she was feeling "a bit tired" after a night out with a friend. "Last night was the first drop of alcohol I had had for two or three weeks," she said, adding, "So I have a wee bit of a hangover."
Sturgeon also identified JK Rowling and former Edinburgh MP Joanna Cherry as individuals who are "obsessed" with her. She stated that Cherry "seems to have an obsession with me that is not reciprocated," and regarding Rowling, she commented, "My god, that woman is obsessed with me. I don’t spend as much time thinking about her as she does thinking about me."
When asked if she had read Cherry's book, which reportedly contains claims about the SNP during Sturgeon's leadership, the former First Minister replied that she had not. "Why on earth would I spend time reading one that’s s***?" she asked.
Sturgeon also addressed her husband Peter Murrell's conviction for embezzling funds from the SNP. She reiterated her ignorance of his crimes, which spanned their marriage and led to his five-year prison sentence for stealing approximately £400,000. Sturgeon confirmed she would not visit Murrell in prison.
In response to the remarks, Joanna Cherry stated, "It appears that the criticisms JK Rowling and I have made of Nicola Sturgeon’s politics and her behaviour, in particular her attack on the rights of women, have so discomforted her that rather than addressing them, she has resorted to a foul-mouthed rant."