Wednesday TV Tips: Public accusations, bankruptcy, jail — the downfall of Oscar Wilde
Scéalta Grá na hÉireann: Oscar Wilde & Lord Alfred Douglas
Oscar Wilde's illicit love affair with Lord Alfred 'Bosie' Douglas in Victorian London cost him his family, his livelihood, his fame, and his life. Bosie's father, the Marquess of Queensbury [yes, the boxing rules], set out to utterly destroy Wilde and his reputation.
Bosie's father publicly accused Wilde of sodomy. Against the advice of friends but encouraged by Bosie, Wilde sued Queensberry for libel. Wilde lost the case, rendering him legally liable for Queensberry's expenses and he was left bankrupt. He was arrested and sentenced to two years hard labour. Wilde, who was born at Westland Row in Dublin, died three years later in 1900 at the age of just 46, lonely and destitute.
Ireland was the first country in the world to introduce same-sex marriage by popular vote — in 2017, Britain brought in legislation — an amnesty law to pardon men who were cautioned or convicted under historical legislation that outlawed homosexual acts
Wilde was among an estimated 50,000 men who were pardoned for homosexual acts which were no longer considered offences.
DeLoreans are inextricably linked to : The first film in director Robert Zemeckis' trilogy was released in 1985 and introduced us to Marty McFly and his inventor friend Doc Brown, and a DeLorean motor car able to travel through time.
The DeLorean Motor Company was founded in 1973: incentives from the Northern Ireland Development Agency — worth an estimated £100million — meant that production took place in Dunmurry, Co Antrim. But John Zachary DeLorean fell from grace — he was charged with trafficking cocaine after being caught in an FBI sting operation.
Brian Pennie grew up in Ladyswell on Dublin’s northside where he witnessed alcohol and drug abuse as a teen, and became hooked on heroin at the age of 17. Now a neuroscience lecturer and Ted Talker, Brian walks us through his inspirational journey to recovery.
