When oligarchs attack: Moment Russian media mogul Lebvedev 'neutralised' fellow billionaire on TV

Daily Mail ^ | 09/19/11 | Ted Thornhill

[TigerLikesRooster]

When oligarchs attack: Moment Russian media mogul Lebvedev 'neutralised' fellow billionaire on TV

By Ted Thornhill

Last updated at 1:30 AM on 19th September 2011

Alexander Lebedev, who owns The Independent and Evening Standard, unleashed a flurry of punches on another businessman taking part in a TV debate on the global economic crisis.

In front of an astonished studio audience, the Russian billionaire landed a series of blows on oligarch Sergei Polonsky's head, knocking him off his chair.

Afterwards Lebedev claimed that he’d had to ‘neutralise’ Polonsky because he feared he was going to be hit first.

The incredible scene took place during the filming of a debate on television channel NTV, due to be aired today.

Moments before the attack Polonsky had announced that he wanted to ‘stick one in the mouth’.

Lebedev, who used to be a KGB agent and now owns The Independent and London Evening Standard, took to his blog to defend his use of violence, claiming that Polonsky had been overly aggressive during the discussion.

[TigerLikesRooster]

The guy is lean and mean with an icy smile. So he is an owner of left-wing rag "Independent" ? I wonder how rabid lefties at Independent cope with their boss everyday? I suppose face-to-face confrontation is not their choice. LOL.

[rockinqsranch]

Hmmmmmm seems as though there was a disagreement.

[TigerLikesRooster]

When he took over Independent, Lebedev reportedly said,

"I invest in institutions which contribute to democracy and transparency"

I suppose he advocates free 'transparent' form of expression.

Lebedev biography at Wikipedia.org has already had an update:

In September 2011 while appearing on a Russian television programme, he punched a fellow guest, property developer Sergei Polonsky.[9] Lebedev claimed afterwards that he had reacted to Polonsky's threat of violence towards him.[10]

[Enchante]

wow.... as I saw headline and started to read article I was assuming it was about some verbal onslaught..... it’s pretty shocking that anyone of such stature and wealth has so little basic self-control.....

what is that, the Jerry Springer Show???

[TigerLikesRooster]

Apparently, the show’ topic was about “global economy.” :-)

[max americana]

>Lebedev claimed that he’d had to ‘neutralise’ Polonsky because he feared he was going to be hit first.<

nuff said’.

[Zeppo]

I may be misremembering things, but isn’t that substantially the same ploy that Russia used when invading Georgia?

[TigerLikesRooster]

I think you are right. Russia said to the effect that it felt ‘threatened’ by Georgia.

[GreatRoad]

That pretty much sums up my personal experience with all the Russians I’ve met.

[Victoria_R]

Check out the graphic in the background. The U.S. one dollar bill in flames with George Washington looking horrified. It’s so appropriate.

[Victoria_R]

Oh, I just notice the writing says "One hundred" and some zeroes were added to account for inflation/devaluing of U.S. money. That's even more appropriate.

[TigerLikesRooster]

Yep, the talk show is about global economy alright.:-)

[E. Pluribus Unum]

My bet is there are quite a few dead bodies associated with how Mr. Lebedev acquired his billions.

[TigerLikesRooster]

The guy is a former KGB officer. People would get out of his way for that reason alone, unless you are either another ex-KGB man or from comparable organizations such as military intelligence or Red Army. Still some probably managed to step on his toes and met some ‘uncomfortable’ consequence.

[piasa]

Lebedev...former KGB, owns two UK papers...

[piasa]

KGB veteran Lebedev helps finance anti fracking protest groups like the Sierra Club and Sea Change Foundations.