Bob Mortimer, now known for his role in Amazon Prime's 'Last One Laughing UK', once used his legal expertise to help Pulp frontman Jarvis Cocker after a controversial incident at the 1996 Brit Awards. Mortimer, a former solicitor, came to Cocker's aid after the singer stormed the stage during Michael Jackson's performance of 'Earth Song', pulling down his trousers and exposing his backside.
The stunt was Cocker's protest against Jackson, but it led to him being detained by police on suspicion of assault. Mortimer, who was backstage at the time, recalled on BBC Radio 6 that a member of Pulp informed him of the arrest. He then approached a portacabin where Cocker was being held, demanding entry as his solicitor.
Initially refused entry by security, Mortimer enlisted the help of a female police officer to gain access. Inside, he found a 'sheepish' Cocker, who explained, 'I showed my bum to Michael Jackson!' Mortimer later described the police as 'lovely' but noted that Jackson's entourage had intimidated them, leading to the arrest.
The incident occurred after Pulp had been nominated for four Brit Awards but lost in all categories to Oasis and Take That. Despite the legal trouble, Cocker was not charged, and the event remains a memorable moment in Brit Awards history.
