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18 September
2003 Britain's largest gay social club has pulled an event planned for this weekend where its members were invited to hurl sausages at illusionist David Blaine. After seeking advice from the Metropolitan Police, OUTintheUK contacted the event organiser and has cancelled the prank that was due to take place this coming Saturday afternoon. "The Police advised that a co-ordinated event involving dozens of people could constitute a public act of disorder and lead to our members being searched for bangers and possibly arrested for incitement to riot," commented Jason Finch, founder of OUTintheUK. He continued: "We are also concerned about increasing reports in today's press about violence against so-called Blaine-baiters, particularly those where Blaine's guards have been involved in restraining people attempting to hurl fruit at the box." After much consideration the event was cancelled entirely and members are being urged not to bring sausages to the original pre-event drinks party which will go ahead as planned. Event organiser Jonathan Blyth, of web project disappointment.com, conceived the event 10 days ago prior to any of the publicised attacks on Blaine's box and used OUTintheUK's free event listings to promote the event. After seeing the attacks on the box, the sausage tossing event was to be part of a short film, as much a parody of the lone-wolf nutters who hunt him as the man himself. Blyth commented: "I bear David Blaine no malice, despite the obnoxious nature of the stunt, and the fact he's a humourless old fart. I just wanted to see loads of chipolatas in the air at once. You so rarely get the chance these days." A new and much more sombre event will replace the sausage tossing. It is billed as "Drifting a lone sausage somewhere near David Blaine". With the original plan cancelled, a single chipolata will be taped to a helium balloon and released near Tower Bridge. Gay men wishing to attend the event are being advised not to bring any sausages. [ENDS] |