Steve Coogan at Guardian Open Weekend

Synopsis

In January 1996, Steve Coogan discusses the first kiss-and-tell story about him, published by the Daily Mirror and written by Kate Thornton. He explains the mechanics behind such stories, revealing how they often rely on a mix of conjecture and illegally obtained information. Coogan describes how journalists bluff individuals by threatening to publish negative stories unless they cooperate, offering a more favorable portrayal in return for their side of the story. He reflects on the typical nature of his experiences, noting that many people face similar intrusions into their private lives, but are not subjected to the same public scrutiny. Coogan emphasizes that while he made mistakes, the media's approach to these stories often distorts the truth and exploits personal relationships for sensationalism.