Following The Sun's publication of their interview with Clarke Carlisle, where he spoke about his suicide attempt three days before Christmas, one of the responses which got the most attention was from actor Ralf Little.
Little is most well-known for playing Anthony on The Royle Family. He is also a former friend of Carlisle.
The actor said that he knew "the full story and it's not what's portrayed in the media".
Oh dear. Looks like Clarke Carlisle's going to get away with it - AGAIN. #Teflon #nonstick pic.twitter.com/cVMlcxMCvl
— Ralf Little (@RalfLittle) February 4, 2015
Seems people want context about previous tweet. So let me say, I know the full story and it's not what's portrayed in the media. That's all.
— Ralf Little (@RalfLittle) February 4, 2015
Carlisle responded, tweeting from his wife's account.
@RalfLittle Hi Ralf, it's Clarke here. I have seen you once in 10 years,and that was to apologise for my repulsive behaviour as a young man>
— MrsC (@gemmacarlisle) February 4, 2015
@RalfLittle I know you have you're right to your opinion, but I've got to say, I sincerely hope that you're not the same person you were 10>
— MrsC (@gemmacarlisle) February 4, 2015
@RalfLittle years ago, as I very much am not. I hope you are well, happy and enjoying your excellent career. I pray depression never bites x
— MrsC (@gemmacarlisle) February 4, 2015
Little later tweeted out a longer response, giving more context to his comments. He said that he had history with the former Premier League player "that involves money, lies, on one notable occasion me being interrogated by the police over something I knew nothing about… and all sorts of other stuff."
While agreeing that mental health is a very serious issue and one which he says that he has helped fight the stigmatization of, he also stated:
It’s extremely difficult to watch someone repeatedly ruin other people’s lives, then explain it in such a way that makes them immune to criticism. And it keeps happening. It’s now reached a point where, as this proves, it’s like emotional touch paper. And sure, I’m not a professional expert on mental health, and no doubt, neither are you. But I know more about this particular case than you do just because you read about it in the Sun, or saw a documentary.
Shortly before his attempted suicide, Carlisle was charged with drink driving. Little says that he hopes "they throw the book at him" for this.
Of course I wish Clarke a strong recovery – and not just from the crash. It would be a better world if he and all other sufferers of such an insidious disease could find a way to fight the good fight. But when he does end up facing the drink driving charges, this time around, I hope, not least out of respect for the hundreds of drink driving victims who tweet me every year, they throw the book at him.
