The phony sign language interpreter from Nelson Mandela's memorial caused international uproar, now he is speaking out and giving insight into his troubled past. INSIDE EDITION has the story.
The fake sign language interpreter who flapped his hands during the Nelson Mandela memorial service admits to being a schizophrenic with a violent past.
"Sometimes I will react violent," he said.
His name is Thamsanqa Jantjie and he claims he does know sign language.
So what's his excuse for those bizarre, meaningless hand motions as he stood next to President Obama and others? He says he was hallucinating and even saw angels.
He said, "If I offended anyone, please forgive me."
The late night comics are having a field day.
Jay Leno joked, "I knew he was a fake! Look at what he did later on, it was so obvious!" Leno then had a gag where the interpreter was making balloon animals.
Stephen Colbert mocked the interpreter in his show and did a fake sign as he said "I, Stephen Colbert, stand with you at this difficult time."
INSIDE EDITION is learning more about the beautiful Danish prime minister in President Obama’s infamous selfie as a seemingly scowling Michelle looked on.
She's the first female prime minister of Denmark, and her name is Helle Thorning-Schmidt. Her husband is the son of a former British Labor leader.
Until the selfie went viral, she was virtually unknown in America. She's said to be a big fan of Sex and the City. She humbly introduced herself to Sarah Jessica Parker at an event in Europe earlier this year.
Helle is known for her designer handbags and has earned the nickname Gucci Helle.
INSIDE EDITION’s Paul Boyd Skyped with journalist Peter Stanners, who works for a Danish newspaper.
Stanners said, "She likes nice clothes. She likes nice handbags. She has always dressed well. She is a very good looking woman and I guess no one wants to hold it against her."
INSIDE EDITION caught up with Wendy Williams at an event honoring women in film and television in New York City.
Williams said, "I think it was three minutes in a bigger situation. When you are the leader of the free world, you can't afford three minutes to take a selfie and look like you were flirting and having fun. It was wrong."
Jay Leno joked on his show, "Michelle didn't look to happy. At The White House, Michelle gave the president burnt toast. Michelle said, 'Sorry for the burnt toast. Were you hoping for a little danish?'"
Back to the fake sign language interpreter. He could learn from one poised little girl.
In a video, Claire Koch from Florida can be seen perfectly signing the words to "Rudolph, The Red Nosed Reindeer." The reason why will break your heart. She didn't want her deaf parents to miss out on her kindergarten holiday show.
Her mom posted it after she heard about the incident at the memorial, tweeting, "My five-year-old signed better for her deaf parents in a Christmas play."
