Mayor: 'Atikins was fat!'

NY Mayor Michael Bloomberg sparked a controversy with hilarious comments to local firefighters during chow at their firehouse. As captured by a local TV station, Bloomberg commented that the firefighters' meal of chicken and pasta was verboten under the famous Atkins diet, but went on to say:

"Atkins is dead. I don't believe that bullshit that [Atkins] dropped dead slipping on the sidewalk. Yeah, right!"

Mr Bloomberg went on to describe meeting the diet guru during a fundraising event at the doctor's home: "The guy was fat ... and the food was inedible. I took one appetiser and I had to spit it into my napkin. It was just terrible."

The article goes on to say that the comments, repeatedly broadcast by the TV station, stirred outrage among Atkins followers. I don't know what's funnier -- Bloomberg's comments, or the outraged snuffling of the Atkins acolytes:

Richard Rothstein, an Atkins spokesman, told the Post that Dr Atkins's widow Veronica was "extremely upset and hurt" by the remarks especially considering Mr Bloomberg sent her a touching condolence letter after her husband's death in which he said the doctor was "an inspiration to us all".