A comparison between his Accusations vs his own Behaviour – A Pattern of Projection
“Narcissistic”
Ed repeatedly accused me of being narcissistic. For example, he wrote:
“He (me) is rhetorical, indifferent, narcissistic, and displaying psychological aggression.”
In my view, his own behaviour appears to reflect traits commonly associated with narcissism. He spent over 300 hours editing his own Wikipedia page, attempting to shape his public image, and later complained to editors when he was blocked for conflict of interest. In his own words, he described it as “the article about me” and lamented: “All I would like is to have the Wikipedia article, that has been written about me, completed after 3 years of grief.” He emphasised: “It is the only article about me on Wikipedia, and it is incomplete” and insisted: “I know my own work better than anyone else.” He even asked outright: “Why can’t I have some control over the article that is about me?”
This suggests a deep personal investment in controlling his public image and a belief that he should be exempt from the independent, community-managed process that Wikipedia is designed to uphold. It also shows signs of grandiosity and defensiveness — he boasted of his work being “world-class,” emphasised repeatedly that the BBC used his work “16 times,” and reacted with hostility when criticised.
The very fact that he repeatedly calls me narcissistic may reveal more about him than about me. By returning to this accusation so insistently, he seems to expose a vulnerability he is trying to hide. This pattern of projection — accusing others of the traits he himself demonstrates — is consistent with his wider behaviour: manipulation, image obsession, and retaliatory aggression. When Ed Gold calls others narcissistic, in my opinion it is a clear case of him projecting his own flaws onto others.
“Bellicose, belligerent, quarrelsome”
Ed uses aggressive, insulting language:
“He (me) is rhetorical, indifferent, narcissistic (interestingly this gets repeated a lot), and displaying psychological aggression. He has a sociopathic ego. His immorality has tainted Scotland. The world is in a bad state because of people like this man. He is a living example of hypocrisy (misspelling by Ed) and clearly not a happy person. I have never met anyone as unpleasant as him before, apart from other Belgians of course. A race more anal than Germans, and more awkward than the Dutch. He is extremely unpleasant to deal with. Apple tans has some serious mental health issues unfortunately.”
He also threatened a “face-to-face visit.” In my view, this kind of language and retaliation is not only aggressive but also consistent with behaviours often associated with narcissistic traits — hypersensitivity to criticism and lashing out when his self-image is challenged.
“Ill-natured & Pugnacious”
Displayed hostility through xenophobic remarks and retaliatory actions. For example:
“The Belgian race… more anal than Germans…”
He also created an anonymous smear website, published fake reviews and made implied threats to report perceived wrong doing to authorities. To me, the vindictiveness and fixation on destroying reputations appear consistent with tendencies often described as narcissistic — unwillingness to accept criticism, resorting to personal attacks and projection.
“You exploit people for free labour”
He pressured for payment after offering photos under different terms, and used emotional guilt when it was declined. He also uses vulnerable individuals — often in poverty or with mental health issues — to produce content for his magazine which he offers for sale, without compensating them. In my opinion, accusing others of exploitation while exploiting vulnerable people himself appears to be an example of projection and narcissistic exploitation of others for personal gain.
“You defamed me”
He published an anonymous website and reviews containing false accusations and insults — after promising not to publish the interview without consent. In my view, this kind of smear campaign to protect his own image while attacking others reflects narcissistic preoccupation with reputation and retaliatory behaviour.
“You stole land”
No evidence of wrongdoing by the subject. Meanwhile, he attempted to weaponise unverified rumours and falsely accused others of criminal acts. To me, creating false narratives to elevate himself and diminish others is another trait consistent with narcissistic projection.
“You’re mentally unstable”
He made concerning repeated personal attacks while escalating the conflict, ignoring reasonable boundaries and previous agreements. In my opinion, diagnosing others with instability while himself showing erratic and retaliatory behaviour reflects classic narcissistic projection.
“You are immoral and taint Scotland”
“The Belgian race… more anal than Germans…”
He implied he would report guests to immigration authorities. Such moral grandstanding, while himself engaging in harassment and discrimination, appears to demonstrate hypocrisy and the kind of moral superiority often linked with narcissism.
“You broke our agreement”
He changed the terms of the agreement post-interview (adding hidden footnotes and “verbal consent” claims), violating his own written commitments, while offering no suggestions or evidence how I would have broken the agreement. In my view, blaming others while shifting rules to suit himself reflects narcissistic entitlement and lack of accountability.
“You are unpleasant and controlling”
He became angry and retaliatory when I exercised control over how I was to be represented, as agreed in advance. He attempted to reassert dominance by threatening official complaints and online retaliation. To me, this unwillingness to let others exercise autonomy, coupled with retaliatory behaviour, is characteristic of the need for control often seen in narcissistic behaviour.
Summary
In my opinion, many of Ed Gold’s accusations can reasonably be understood as narcissistic projection. By calling others narcissistic, exploitative, quarrelsome, or controlling, he reveals the very traits he seems to demonstrate most strongly himself. His repeated accusations do not, in my view, expose the character of others, but rather expose his own vulnerabilities — especially his obsession with reputation, hypersensitivity to criticism, and tendency to retaliate. This pattern suggests that his words are less about truth and more about protecting his own fragile self-image.
References discussed in the text:
Wikipedia Teahouse complaint,
Talk page background,
Wikipediocracy thread.
This website is a record of my personal experience and opinions regarding Ed Gold, based on direct interactions and supported by documented evidence including written correspondence and public statements.
All content is presented in good faith, with the intention of informing and protecting others — especially individuals or communities who may be vulnerable or targeted.
Where opinions are expressed, they are clearly identified as such. No statement here should be taken as an assertion of undisputed fact unless it is accompanied by supporting evidence.
No private personal data has been shared. Names or details of unrelated third parties have been redacted for confidentiality.