Tony Blair was honoured last night at the GQ Men of the Year awards as the leading philanthropist of 2014. Having been a big deal in the world of politics previously (here's a hint, you might remember him from such roles as leader of the Labour Party in Britain and Prime Minister), there were a few people who thought that his actions might not have been deserving of such an award.
Inevitably, the fact that he was involved in the start of the Iraq war and some of his activities since leaving the world of politics came up in the discussion as people on Twitter expressed their outrage at the selection of the former PM as the leading philanthropist.Â
Blair was given the award thanks to his work in setting up three different charities: The Tony Blair Sports Foundation, the Faith Foundation and the Africa Governance Initiative. Despite that, the internet was awash with people who had smart comments to pass on it, make jokes and in general complain about it. We know, smartarses on the internet, we're shocked too.
Did GQ just take trolling to a new level? #TonyBlair
— Garry White (@GarryWhite) September 3, 2014
Congratulations to Tony Blair on winning 'Philanthropist of the Year' at GQ Awards. Next up, Jeremy Clarkson wins 'Diversity Champion 2014'.
— Dan (@ThatConnArtist) September 2, 2014
Apparently, Tony Blair has won GQ's philanthropist of the year award. Finally these awards have grasped irony!
— Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker) September 2, 2014
Gutted for those who lost out to Tony Blair at the GQ Awards (done for @HuffPostUKCom) https://t.co/FUh5HY5vdw pic.twitter.com/4uN7Jj2kdh
— David Schneider (@davidschneider) September 3, 2014
Nobody on Twitter is going to write a funnier joke than Tony Blair being named Philanthropist of the Year. Well played, real life.
— Jason (@NickMotown) September 3, 2014
It has been another hard day and just when I needed a laugh Tony Blair wins philanthropist of the year at the GQ awards. #satireisnotdead
— Sarfraz Manzoor (@sarfrazmanzoor) September 2, 2014
Well, at least GQ made sure that they would be talked about, anyway.