video transcript

New Zealand's Prime Minister John Key was grilled by a tv presenter over insulting comments he is said to have made which caused a social media storm. A New Zealand radio station claims Key described legendary footballer David Beckham as "a nice guy" but then used colourful language to deride his intelligence. On Monday, Key said he did not want to elaborate on comments he said were off the cuff and off the record. (SOUNDBITE) (English) TV PRESENTER SAYING: "Can I just clarify that you are saying that you didn't call David Beckham thick?" (SOUNDBITE) (English) JOHN KEY, NEW ZEALAND PRIME MINISTER SAYING: "No, what I am saying is that somebody has overheard a personal conversation and that's their recollection of it. I am just not going to engage in discussions about that. That's their view." Key's comments have been ridiculed across the Twittersphere. Former England football captain Beckham was one of London's celebrity Olympic ambassadors and took part in the opening ceremony.