Hi Everyone,

Re the below rumour ("Morrissey Vs. NME - anecodtal development" - May 8) the facts are very simple. I was forewarned by another artist that Conor McNicholas had told them that he was coming to LA and had a reservation to stay in the same hotel as Morrissey. The implication was that this was mischievous and would purposely serve to make Morrissey "uncomfortable" while he was in LA making the new album. I have a very good relationship with the hotel, as a regular and long term resident over many years, and when I explained the situation to them they agreed it would not be appropriate for Conor to stay there. When Conor arrived they met him at the door and courteously pointed him to a hotel that they had arranged for him to be relocated to. Morrissey was not in the foyer and was not even aware of the situation or my tactical move until afterward. In fact Morrissey has never even met or laid eyes on Conor McNicholas. The old cliche of "I wouldn't know him if I ran him over" holds true although the poetic justice in that would be magnificent - yes I am the ass!

Best wishes,
Merck