Anger as ‘sleeping with Johann’ joke backfires

Labour insiders are expressing outrage over a scripted joke made by British comedian David Walliams during the recent Mediterranea Film Festival, held a few days ago.

During his fourth consecutive appearance at a lavish event organized by Film Commissioner Johann Grech, around €5 million in taxpayer funds were spent on the gala. David Walliams, a friend of Grech, controversially remarked that film producers hoping to shoot in Malta and access substantial public subsidies would need to “sleep with Johann Grech” first.

“Soon, everything you need to film your blockbuster will be available in Malta. All you have to do is sleep with Johann. I have done it and highly recommend it,” he added. At the same time, the cameras focused on a smiling Grech, who was seated at his gala table alongside Lydia Abela, the spouse of the Prime Minister.

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Walliams and Grech, who also posed together and shared pictures suggesting their friendship during the recent festival, had Walliams as his guest once again to present the festival awards.

In 2022, Walliams was paid a staggering €120,000 for his two-hour presentation. Despite public outrage, Grech insisted on commissioning the actor and comedian for three additional appearances in 2023, 2024, and 2025, although Walliams’ fees remain undisclosed. Culture Minister Owen Bonnici, who approved the latest payments, is refusing to give details to The Shift.

Senior PL officials have long been telling the Prime Minister that Grech is embarrassing the Labour Party due to his uncontrolled spending and arrogance, including his disregard for public procurement rules.

One expressed outrage, stating: “Enough is enough. Grech can’t continue to organise these extravagant events without any oversight. The Prime Minister is turning a blind eye to the situation. Grech is a liability.”

Officials told The Shift that Grech’s actions, along with those who are permitting this “orgy with public funds,” are causing significant harm to Labour, even affecting voter support.

“People are simply disgusted,” another senior official remarked.

Criticism from PL insiders is now even turning to social media.

Jason Micallef, the PL’s official responsible for implementing the electoral programme and maintaining the party’s connection with the electorate, wrote a very critical post regarding Grech’s reckless spending. In a direct dig at the Film Commissioner, he stated that spending €5 million on a festival was excessive.

His public outburst received support from many party loyalists, who expressed their dismay at how Grech was allowed to act with such arrogance and impunity by Castille.