Vice Meets: Conrad Black

We met Conrad Black, the controversial former media baron who renounced his Canadian citizenship to become a British Lord, and later spent time in an American jail for fraud. We went to his sprawling estate in Toronto's luxurious Bridal Path neighborhood to chat with him about how the US prison system is flawed.
Check out the Best of VICE here: bit.ly/VICE-Bes...
Subscribe to VICE here! bit.ly/Subscrib...
Check out our full video catalog: bit.ly/VICE-Videos
Videos, daily editorial and more: vice.com
Like VICE on Facebook: vice
Follow VICE on Twitter: / vice
Read our tumblr: / vicemag

[@Frip36]

Let me get this straight. You got to interview one of the most interesting conversationalists in the world and you only talked to him for 3 minutes?

[@jamesmeyers8277]

The interviewer did not seem to be paying attention to his own interview. The pants hiked up to display his socks ssemed pretty immature.

[@SquareNoggin]

this is vice after all. It's a shame, because sometimes they stumble across some good stories from time to time, but their takes are reliably awful and ignorant and many (most?) of their journalists exemplify the worst of our generation in many ways.

[@kristopherryanwatson]

Of all the things you coukd talk to this man about, you chose to talk about the 3 years he spent incarcerated. Hmm. Lousy interview indeed. If you could even call that an interview.

[@Tixeon]

Terrible interviewer.

[@delagins]

"What do prison guards have to gain from smuggling goods to prisoner?" is the one question I would ask if I had a once-in-a-lifetime chance to interview a well known public figure. The only flaw from this interview is not asking Conrad Black what was the color of the underwear he was wearing.

[@KeeghanBarclay]

I think the interviewer put more effort into his outfit than the actual interview.

[@zacn9631]

We needed to hear more from this man! This was an interesting interview. I want more content. C'mon VICE, get your head in the game!

[@jamesmeyers8277]

"What do prison guards have to gain from smuggling goods to prisoner?" what a dumb ass question.

[@MrCactusPunch]

Would be awesome to get a serious and long interview with Conrad Black he seems very interesting

[@SquareNoggin]

So much of the prison system serves simply to demean and antagonize inmates. Government messes up everything they do, and prisons are no exception. Just a massive, oppressive bureaucracy. Now I know more about the way the American works but I assume the Canadian one is largely the same or very similar, and one of the most outrageous things that people don't talk about as much is not prisons per se but jails. Millions of people end up spending days, weeks, months or added years trapped in holding cells and the like, shoulder to shoulder with other imprisoned humans which necessarily creates an incredibly tense and volatile atmosphere, regularly strip searched, herded around like cattle, dehumanized systematically - without having been even convicted of a crime. Cops have a whole lot of discretion when it comes to who they arrest and so so so often they will arrest somebody on a charge they know won't make it to court and wouldn't get a conviction if it did. But even if someone's going to make bail and eventually beat their case, because say the arresting officers had no idea what the full story was but ad they often do figured they'd arrest everybody involved until they do get a sense of what crime was committed and who committed it or even worse (but not uncommon) just kick the can down to the courts. Telling themselves "well if they're innocent the courts will exonerate them" - with no regard for the fact that even a couple of days, even a night, spent detained is tantamount to torture for the average citizen and is certainly a traumatic experience.

[@loaditz]

Problem with US justice system is that you can still go to jail for smoking weed but if you are a banker who laundered money for the drug cartels than you get off with a fine.

[@HamBergle]

When I saw "Vice meets: Conrad Black" I was hoping for an interview about his securities laws violations, his many newspapers, perhaps frustrations about being a peer and Canada not wanting him to have a peerage...

[@Disrupptive]

I would like to see a lot more of this, not the guy doing the interview but of Conrad Black. Seems to be a highly intelligent individual with much more to say than was presented in this 5 min video

[@chrishartnett4380]

That was the worst interview ever. Not one question that made that pile of shit sweat.

[@Jahkillian]

I PRAY THIS IS A SHORT SAMPLE AND VICE WILL SHOW US THE ENTIRE 60 MINUTES IN A COUPLE DAYS.

[@Neavris]

His socks in the sumptuous decors of Lord Black's mansion is a contrast for the ages.

[@Bacopa68]

I was about to say "Boo-hoo, poor little rich people in prison" but then I realized he was making some very good points.

[@jasminkhg]

What are the odds of my teacher talking about him today and then Vice uploading a video about him the same day!?

[@KiingBlood]

im actually glad this wasnt longer, interviewer should breathe water

[@ArtisticLana]

Someone get the interviewer a stylist.

[@SonnyRed420]

I love the way he talks. It has class.

[@slavaukraini1991]

13 people on the credits for that 5 minute interview? ONLY 5 MINUTES? I could think of ten questions I'd like to ask him but Vice got him sat there talking about the prison system.

[@kilgoretroutcanada]

You gain access to an enigmatic guy like Black and you ask him what was enriching about his prison time, really? Worst interview ever.

[@jeritadamson]

What an obviously self-conscious and abysmally unprepared interviewer! The interview is apparently aborted quickly as the gap between the two, mentally, becomes increasingly spectacular.

[@bob40179]

Vice is not a person, why are people commenting as if vice is a being who will read each and every comment? Also, vice as a channel, does not have a legal obligation to always produce top quality interviews.

[@TOITN]

Conrad Black owes Rick Ross 100 favours.

[@dtegg91]

The case of Conrad Black could be a 8 part mini-series on its own. Don't quite see the point of this

[@dickmcwhoady]

Vice wins the internet today.

[@MrSchiff74]

Vice made a strong point about the u.s. justice system, within only 5 minutes, the past of the people involved in those 5 minutes should not matter at all.

[@drew345x]

can see why its "Vice Meets" and not "Vice Interviews". I want my bandwith back.

[@maclomacneil]

"But then it ends up int he hands of prisoners right?" THIS INTERVIEWER was brutal

[@MrUndersolo]

Vice interviewing Conrad Black... First sign of the Apocalypse.

[@EballzNC]

Why is there a child interviewing this wise old man, at least try.

[@stods12]

Who picked that mouth-breather to do the interview?

[@morfeeene]

At his first prison meal, Conrad was heard saying in the food line, "Pardon me, would you have any Grey Poupon?"

[@Contraproductive]

this man deserved a better interviewer ...

[@yakbabbler]

I don't think the interviewer was prepared for the answers that he got, I think he was expecting more heat and so that he could turn it on him, but Conrad was composed the entire time

[@4tjk]

to everyone ragging on the reporter - I'm sure there were some stipulations as to the types of questions he was allowed to ask, otherwise why would Conrad Black ever agree to doing an interview in which he would be bombarded by hardball questions...

[@Parag0n]

The socks are almost as bad as the interviewer.

[@_chipchip]

So an interview is now classed as being 4mins long with 1 question asked?

[@JamesSmith-sw3nk]

I am not a big fan of Conrad Black but like so many more in the U.S justice system, his punishment was far too severe for his "crime" , I hope the Canadian government restores his citizenship.

[@mikecowpg]

I really, really hate Conrad Black, but the interviewer that VICE sent was supremely outclassed and added nothing to the proceedings. It was kind of sad because despite being an incredibly corrupt person, Conrad Black is very erudite and interesting. I feel that this was not the best use of the time allotted.

[@TheTenderbartender]

Agreed, a pathetic excuse for an interview... to throw a chump like that next to a brilliantly eloquent mastermind of an individual like Conrad is fucking appalling.

[@Dr.TJ_Eckleburg]

Maybe the worst interview in the history of Vice? Conrad Black is brilliant and controversial for a million reasons, and the best the interviewer could do is a nonsensical question about prison guards.There are literally endless topics to explore with this man. WTF.

[@SoaringSuccubus]

3:52 This "heh heh heh" just basically screams - I'm a dumbfuck who doesn't understand what you're saying so I'll just nod and smile. Gosh this was pathetic...What's next? Will Vice make him talk about socks?? HA

[@WOGI5M]

interviewer seemed overwhelmed. What a waste of an interview with Black.

[@skipwadoo]

Never saw the smuggling take place but blames all the smuggling on the guards, I smell a disgruntled inmate.

[@EternalRisingFist]

"You're not an anarchist if you are against absolute freedom of behavior, association and trade" AGREED! That's why we are anarchists and an-capers aren't!

[@alejandrogolob]

this interviewer had nothing intelligible to add to the conversation. Why not send someone who is prepared to address the subject?

[@50Sane50Crazy]

That's my uncle. He gave me $240,000 as a gift for my new house!

[@andrewburton5105]

Conrad Black is the biggest beauty the world has seen since Henry VIII

[@SuperBick1]

'Look Im getting down with pot talk, can I be a Canadian and keep my order of Canada now ?

[@BMWCLR600]

This may be the new season of Game of Thrones talking, but Conrad Black is like a real life Tyrion. He is not particularly good looking (Tyrion is an imp) and his only way of defence (which he perfected) is the use of words, wits and overall cleverness and smarts.

[@larashka1217]

this "reporter" has no idea what he was doing.. what a wasted opportunity...

[@RandomNPC15]

Ugh the interviewer completely misses the point and then asks "but what would they gain from smuggling?" Really? Does he think smugglers just do it for fun? I love you VICE but you need some more professional interviewers. Please!

[@mikemaer]

Why in fuck is a video interviewing Conrad Black only 5 minutes when they do a 10 part 10 minute video focusing on "spring breakers". Wtf.

[@FightTheElite]

I liked it when Conrad Black was a guest on Have I Got News For You... Ian Hislop really did an enjoyable number on him.

[@tedums18]

"But what do correctional officers have to gain from it?" ... really vice

[@LTBL88]

You're not an anarchist if you are against absolute freedom of behavior, association and trade - it doesn't matter what you "consider" anarchist

[@Vashdastampead]

Conrad, come on baby... hehe, you had a couple of Snickers Bars didn't you.

[@Marshallstack3203]

Why would you dress like a clown for an interview like this? Can the interviewer really expect someone to take him seriously looking like that? Be professional about it.

[@DrDot]

I don't think the Mr. Black said anything controversial, but fucking green socks? Come on dude.

[@blobybob]

i was really expecting longer then a 5 minute blurb about the american prison system, what the hell?

[@fuyocouch]

This should have been far longer and its a lot better than the spring break shit

[@pastoramaru]

Conrad Kept it Gansta the whole time and dropped some crazy knowledge on this poorly prepared interviewer!.

[@OogaMaga]

I think it's funny how Conrad seemed to take over the interview.

[@KajsSwedishMeatBalls]

Switch interviewer, questions and make it ten times as long.

[@TomSmith-tz7ih]

Yeah, that's right, you buy 'cocaine' with your internship money, which you share with your 'homies' before you pop a cap.

[@TheMoonPrune]

he deserves a long video.

[@RedRedMCmusic]

You need to fire this interviewer

[@Zandonus]

did you try to smuggle a typo of 'Mansion' there, engi?

[@Vinireis90]

You took the words out of my mouth.

[@raptorak1]

Yes. And please get someone who can dress appropriately, look how Conrad Black is dressed here compared to the ridiculous attire of the interviewer. It is almost as if the interviewer is mocking Conrad with his garishly coloured socks and lurid pink trousers. Have some class for crying out loud, your 'ironic' dress style may make you feel superior to your peers, but it falls flat on its face when confronted with your intellectual superiors as shown in this video. Grow up Vice, you need it.

[@e8ghtmileshigh1]

I love Conrad Black. He is a brilliant man. This "interviewer" can't handle his greatness.

[@justinsiehl4666]

It's been said over and over already, so I'll just add my 2c. 5min video for this? seriously? THIS should have been one of your 20-30min interview videos.

[@dannyodwyer9427]

at lease conrad black came out of prison and learn and spoke about the crazy american justice system,and explained that there are some people doing crazy prison for lesser crimes

[@BrightCroc]

I guess due to the overwhelming positive critique on this site, this so-called reporter will get promoted soon and if all of us are really lucky, will get to interview rupert murdoch.

[@SRNF]

Conrad you don't have to be violent to be a criminal.

[@huberticusrex]

Ya he makes sense on this issue, but us Canadians find him unseemly. He chose to leave our country, made a big stink, and when he got his slap on the wrist he suddenly becomes a social advocate

[@totalgamer1819]

I live in Toronto , and Every so often , I drive to Bridle Path and take a peek at Mr.Blacks property . It is absolutely gorgeous . It's like looking at a 18th century Governors villa.

[@sking963]

Is that it? Judgement of Conrad Black morally aside, I find him and this topic infinitely more interesting "The ATL twins", but they get multiple videos and Mr. Black gets less than 5 minutes?

[@Charleroifa]

What's up with the socks, dude! Socks!

[@henrynelson11]

VICE is an excellent source of alternative journalism, rarely rivaled by any other video media on this domain they are in.

[@goinupthegranby]

There are so many questions that could have been asked to Conrad Black, but all we get is a few minutes of him going on about being in prison. Lame.

[@Spexxy19]

ha! black's attempt at manipulating the truth falls short with a basic, well-executed journalistic question: "did you see this take place?"

[@EastElevenLS]

look at my mans socks...

[@coolintensity1]

Beyond the well-known attrocities of the American justice system is still a degree of consolation in the more subtle process of natural or karmic justice in which Henry Kissinger has to consent to be strip searched.

[@joecampbell4098]

I have always supported black. That canada allowed his convictions to stand on laws that were made up for his trial reflects very poorly on canadian statehood. You can choose to not like black all you want, however how any canadian born person is treated abroad should be of importance. Will we accept months long imprisonment with no trial and possibly no charges. how about deportation to mexico. Why is marc emery in jail. Canada has no balls

[@kirklandnuts]

Why is this interview so short?

[@iamthefirsttosecond]

the interviewer is dwarfed by the Conrad's personality, did he not know who he was going to interview? He seems unprepared and timid.

[@TheCamerontesterman]

He has to be one of the worst interviewers I have ever seen on vice, shame too, Conrad seemed like a very interesting person.

[@Mechagnomics]

Why was this so short...?

[@ArcJackal]

The guy conducting the interview is doing a pretty terrible job. Awful questions and he doesn't seem like he knows what the hell he's doing.

[@rickeyt423]

Vice has the worst interviewers.

[@JackMarshallEatsFood]

That was a little odd, "What do the correctional officers have to make from smuggling?" What the question is that?

[@jamieclark420]

Yet another interviewer way out of his league. Are you guys intentionally doing this? Who's in charge of hiring these dim wits?

[@user-wm4fm5dn8j]

I was in coleman fl with this guy!! Didn't leave his cell at all

[@CdnGamer]

Conrad Black dropped the soap.

[@The_Osprey]

I think the point of this interview was for the hipster doofus to feel good about himself being in the presence of somebody infinitely more talented than he but with a criminal record intended to make all the flunkies of life feel better about themselves.

[@r0llskyay0]

wearing crazy socks is what vice reporters do when they have no personality