In the world of journalism, interviews can range from the mundane to the extraordinary, with the occasional foray into the downright bizarre. For seasoned Australian reporter Michael Usher, one such interview stands out as a career highlight for all the wrong reasons. Reflecting on a past encounter with Sarah Ferguson, the Duchess of York, Usher provided a candid behind-the-scenes look at what can only be described as a chaotic interview disaster.
The incident in question dates back to 2011 when Usher, then working for Nine’s investigative program 60 Minutes, was assigned to interview the former royal about her memoir, Finding Sarah: A Duchess’s Journey to Find Herself. The interview, which was supposed to be an open and honest discussion about the Duchess’s life and the contents of her book, took an unexpected turn, culminating in Ferguson storming off the set.
Speaking on Nova 96.9’s Fitzy & Wippa with Kate Ritchie, Usher recounted the bewildering experience for the first time publicly. The interview had been agreed upon with no subjects off-limits, yet it seemed that the Duchess had other ideas when the conversation veered towards the more scandalous aspects of her past, specifically the News of the World newspaper scandal where she was filmed accepting money in exchange for access to her ex-husband, Prince Andrew.
Despite the topic being covered in her own memoir, Ferguson balked at the line of questioning, leading to a tense standoff. Usher, who had flown all the way to London for the interview, was left trying to coax his subject back into the chair for a do-over. The resurfaced footage from 60 Minutes captures the moment Ferguson’s composure slips, and she demands the camera person delete the footage, a request that goes against the grain of journalistic integrity.
We’d love to hear your thoughts on this story. Have you ever witnessed an interview that took an unexpected turn? What do you think makes an interview truly successful? Share your experiences and insights with us in the comments below!
Also read: Sarah, Duchess of York: I made endless wrong decisions – but it’s got me to where I am today
