The Newshound

'Please stop inventing stories': Thierry Henry insists Kate Scott was in on his Ballon d'Or joke after fan backlash

Thierry Henry, who co-hosted Monday's Ballon d'Or ceremony at the London Palladium, insists a Socrates pronunciation gag with Kate Scott was scripted and urges critics to "relax.
Thierry Henry, who co-hosted Monday's Ballon d'Or ceremony at the London Palladium, insists a Socrates pronunciation gag with Kate Scott was scripted and urges critics to "relax.

Thierry Henry took to Instagram to defend his conduct as co-host of Monday's Ballon d'Or ceremony at the London Palladium, insisting the Socrates pronunciation gag with Kate Scott was scripted and that Scott "did it on purpose." Henry told critics to "relax" and stop "inventing stories," saying he would never disrespect his co-presenter and urging her to back him up publicly.

Henry also denied putting Lamine Yamal on the spot, saying he knew the Barça winger's 'real prize' was the main Ballon d'Or — which Yamal ultimately did not win.

The Frenchman admitted his jokes "didn't land" for everyone but insisted Yamal laughed on stage, calling him "a player I'd pay to watch."

Harry Kane claimed the main prize that night, becoming the first Englishman to win the Ballon d'Or in 25 years, with No 10 hinting at a knighthood.

MoreMetroThierry Henry breaks silence on Kate Scott and Lamine Yamal controversyThe MirrorThierry Henry addresses Ballon d'Or backlash after criticism over Lamine Yamal jibeDaily ExpressThierry Henry forced to release statement after Ballon d'Or controversy with Kate ScottYahoo SportsThierry Henry responds to criticism as Ballon d’Or presenter after Kate Scott and Lamine Yamal ‘jokes’ - Yahoo SportsThe News InternationalLamine Yamal–Kate Scott Ballon d'Or banter backlash: Thierry Henry breaks his silence
Read today's full feed at The Newshound →