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AIBU?

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AIBU to dislike David Hockney for opposing the smoking ban?

135 replies

Bertiebiscuit · 12/06/2026 14:33

I always disliked David Hockney for his campaign against the Smoking indoors in public places ban, probably the best thing the then sensible Labour government did for public health and predictably the Guardian supported him - that rag is always on the wrong side of history. No doubt he would have lived longer had he had any sense. That legislation brought in stop smoking clinics, trained smoking cessation counsellors and inspired stop smoking aids like nicotine replacement therapy. Probably the biggest positive change in public health since sewers and soap. One selfish old man with no children did his level best to interfere, we should not deify him.

OP posts:
DoubleShotEspresso · 12/06/2026 14:59

Dear God OP what a vile and insensitive post. He was 88 for goodness sake, a good age? You seem unhinged, what a disrespectful and utterly bonkers post, he had an opinion and was entitled to it, what on earth is your issue?

faithfultoGeorgeMichael · 12/06/2026 14:57

I was perplexed by the story about the young man who died in his home (after a drugs binge) I found it so deeply odd it put me right off him, but today is not the day for it, I would suggest
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-humber-23885509

David Hockney and Dominic Elliot

David Hockney's assistant died 'after drinking acid'

David Hockney's assistant died after drinking acid at the painter's home, an inquest into his death hears.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-humber-23885509

Nanda66 · 12/06/2026 14:56

Really inappropriate when he has just died. Nasty and uncalled for at this time. I’m glad I’m not you.

Jamesblonde2 · 12/06/2026 14:55

You sound a right bundle of laughs OP and disrespectful to boot.

Yes OP, what have you contributed to society and what is your legacy?

KaleidoscopeSmile · 12/06/2026 14:54

Do you feel like a warrior OP, talking about David Hockney like that for likes?

Oh, and "No doubt he would have lived longer had he had any sense" ironically makes absolutely no sense at all.

MyBeautifulRaven · 12/06/2026 14:53

TheKittenswithMittens · 12/06/2026 14:48

Another aside, I once saw Gilbert and George in M and S

I found out last week that Lucy Punch was a-partnered with Dinos Chapman.

That caused me gentle bogglement.

Arlanymor · 12/06/2026 14:52

Tabarnak · 12/06/2026 14:44

He made no impact on the smoking ban since we have a ban, and was entitled to his views,

He made an immense impact on the development of art, a huge contribution to cultural life, has earned us millions in tourist income and given many of us hours and hours of pleasure.

So my admiration of him and gratitude for his work is total.

What have you achieved OP?

And why do you feel the need to be nasty about someone who has not actually harmed you, within hours of his death?

Quite and calling someone a 'selfish old man with no children' is just poor spite and on the day that his death is announced is completely unnecessary. Think how many people protested against gay marriage and this is a man who came out when homosexuality was still illegal in the UK - I am sure plenty of people have protested against his actual right to exist and to love who he wanted to.

I'm not a smoker, never have been and never will be. But he was exercising his right to free speech and to protest - as is enshrined within UK democracy. If you don't like democracy you are welcome to move somewhere it doesn't exist.

JoshLymanSwagger · 12/06/2026 14:51

The bloke just died.

Who fucking cares?

TheKittenswithMittens · 12/06/2026 14:50

RIP David Hockney. My favourite Yorkshire man.

Ibi · 12/06/2026 14:50

You can dislike someone for whatever reason you want. I’m sure you’ve experienced that yourself.

MyBeautifulRaven · 12/06/2026 14:50

paradisecircus · 12/06/2026 14:49

Odd time to start spouting about this

Indeed, I feel there are more things to twist one's knickers about.

paradisecircus · 12/06/2026 14:49

Odd time to start spouting about this

MyBeautifulRaven · 12/06/2026 14:49

TheKittenswithMittens · 12/06/2026 14:48

Another aside, I once saw Gilbert and George in M and S

Interested to know if they were buying ready-made lasagnes.

WatermelonSalad1 · 12/06/2026 14:49

BettyJoanPerske · 12/06/2026 14:44

YABVU. Also, he died at 88, so I don't know what you mean by 'he could have lived longer'.

There's that

But mainly, the poor man died yesterday and this is all you have to say @Bertiebiscuit

Are you doing that thing where you just have to bring down someone who leaves a massive legacy? Would you be leaving a massive legacy? Are there exhibitions of your work going on all over the world?

He was entitled to his opinion and he was entitled to do whatever campaigning he wanted to do.

Shame on you.

Gtfc · 12/06/2026 14:48

TheKittenswithMittens · 12/06/2026 14:48

Another aside, I once saw Gilbert and George in M and S

Were they smoking?

drammmalllammma · 12/06/2026 14:48

What a deeply unpleasant post !

MyBeautifulRaven · 12/06/2026 14:48

TheKittenswithMittens · 12/06/2026 14:46

As an aside, isn't Maggie Hamblin a massive smoker?

Certainly is. Always got a tab on the go.

TheKittenswithMittens · 12/06/2026 14:48

Another aside, I once saw Gilbert and George in M and S

SadTimesInFife · 12/06/2026 14:47

Isn't he dead yet?

TheKittenswithMittens · 12/06/2026 14:46

As an aside, isn't Maggie Hamblin a massive smoker?

MyBeautifulRaven · 12/06/2026 14:46

'No doubt he would have lived longer had he had any sense'.

Hmm, the man was 88 and lived a very full and accomplished life. Get back to me when you can make that claim.

Gtfc · 12/06/2026 14:46

Sounds like you've been holding on to these feelings for a long time OP. What a blessed relief this day must be, for you.

luckylavender · 12/06/2026 14:45

Bertiebiscuit · 12/06/2026 14:33

I always disliked David Hockney for his campaign against the Smoking indoors in public places ban, probably the best thing the then sensible Labour government did for public health and predictably the Guardian supported him - that rag is always on the wrong side of history. No doubt he would have lived longer had he had any sense. That legislation brought in stop smoking clinics, trained smoking cessation counsellors and inspired stop smoking aids like nicotine replacement therapy. Probably the biggest positive change in public health since sewers and soap. One selfish old man with no children did his level best to interfere, we should not deify him.

What a horrible post on the day his death is announced. Have some respect.

BettyJoanPerske · 12/06/2026 14:45

I also agreed with him at the time and part of me still does.

Tabarnak · 12/06/2026 14:44

He made no impact on the smoking ban since we have a ban, and was entitled to his views,

He made an immense impact on the development of art, a huge contribution to cultural life, has earned us millions in tourist income and given many of us hours and hours of pleasure.

So my admiration of him and gratitude for his work is total.

What have you achieved OP?

And why do you feel the need to be nasty about someone who has not actually harmed you, within hours of his death?