The big news in Australia at the moment is about the Radio DJ prank that went horribly wrong. The story goes like this…
The Empress: Prince William’s wife Kate Middleton falls pregnant.
The Star: Unfortunately she suffers from a little known pregnancy condition called Hyperemesis Gravidarum – otherwise known as ‘living hell’ to sufferers – that causes severe vomiting forcing her to be hospitalised for bed rest and rehydration.
The Magician: An Australian radio production team comes up with the bright idea to ring up the hospital where Kate is staying for a lark. The two DJs pretend (badly) to be Queen Elizabeth and Prince Charles.
The Wheel Of Fortune: In an unexpected development the radio DJs are put through to Kate’s room by a nurse who was filling in on reception where they hear personal details about Kate’s condition. The radio station broadcasts the phone call.
The World: The prank captures the attention of the world. British paparazzi are miffed that two obscure antipodean DJs got the scoop ahead of them. One of the DJs boasts on Twitter that he will never ever top this success in his future career.
Five Of Swords: We are far away in Australia and not as obsessed with the royal family as the British but it seems that the two nurses who spoke on the phone must have been put under enormous pressure either by their superiors or by the press. This is the only thing that can explain what occurred next.
Death: Unfortunately, tragically, one of the nurses who spoke on the phone is believed to have committed suicide. (Note: If you’re feeling emotionally fragile while reading this post please contact a health professional.)
Judgement: As a result the two DJs who performed this prank are themselves now under enormous pressure to explain themselves. Yet there are many people who contributed to this tragedy: The station manager/lawyers/owners. The press who whipped up the story. Those who passed it on.
What we all really need is…
Four Of Swords: Time out to reflect on the situation. The radio station that the DJs work for has released a statement saying that prank calls will cease immediately across all its networks while a comprehensive review takes place. It’s the least they can do in the circumstances.
Six Of Wands Reversed: There are no winners here. Kate’s privacy was invaded. Two nurses were humiliated in front of the world. Two young DJs are now being persecuted. And absolutely worst of all: A woman has died. My thoughts are with her husband and children at this time.
What are your thoughts on this terrible tragedy?