William Shatner’s Cheeky Quip About Ilfracombe Sparks Local Fury

William Shatner caused quite the stir after joking that Ilfracombe, a seaside town, was ‘laced with prostitution’ while on Have I Got News For You. The mayor, Paul Crabb, was outraged and invited Shatner to see the town for himself, asserting its charm. Shatner replied with wit, referencing the meaning of prostitution, even offering a somewhat sarcastic apology, leading to mixed reactions from the locals.

William Shatner, the man who boldly went where no man had gone before, stirred up a hornet’s nest when he quipped about Ilfracombe during his BBC guest spot on Have I Got News For You back in 2012. Mispronouncing the scenic seaside town, he joked it was “laced with prostitution”. Cue the mayor of Ilfracombe, Paul Crabb, who was not amused and promptly challenged Shatner to visit and see the lovely coast for himself.

Crabb’s email to Shatner was like a direct message from the mayor of the universe, highlighting the town’s charm over scandal. The mayor compared Shatner’s fictional travels to his real-life ignorance, stating how inviting him would prove there’s no such thing as the notorious activities implied. “If he came, we could show him that there is no prostitution in Ilfracombe and that it is a lovely coastal town with spectacular scenery,” he wrote passionately.

Shatner, ever the charm machine, shot back with his own email, slyly stating that the term ‘prostitution’ means “sex for something of value”. He added a sprinkle of cheeky humour by suggesting that Ilfracombe might not be so different after all. “I would be hard-pressed to believe that sex was not being had in Ilfracombe for something of value… like marriage or children,” he mused.

He wrapped up his playful response with what can only be described as a semi-serious apology. “With you overseeing, I am sure that will not happen,” he wrote, leaving room for interpretation—was he sincere or simply a master of sarcasm? Meanwhile, opinions about Shatner’s comments were split. Some folks called it a veiled insult, while one local cheekily reinforced the joke by referring to Ilfracombe as “Ilfrascum,” proving that laughter (and perhaps a little truth) resides everywhere.

In the end, what we’ve learned is that one should tread lightly when joking about a town, especially if it’s as charming but sensitive as Ilfracombe. Shatner’s playful jab may have drawn laughter, but it certainly ruffled a few feathers—especially the feathers of the mayor who was keen on showing that Ilfracombe is all scenic coastlines, not scandalous nightlife. As the saga of the star and the seaside town proves, humour can bridge gaps but it can also stir the pot, leaving a mix of chuckles and raised eyebrows in its wake!

Original Source: www.express.co.uk