A man who needed attention badly enough to warrant a literal “nailed-to-a-cross” crucifixion of himself surely warrants the title of ‘diva’. Though Horsley himself would have preferred ‘dandy’. Horsley led a checkered life that involved outrageous artistic statements, drug use, and writing about his love of prostitutes — going as far as to fantasize about dying in a prostitutes arms. The exceptionally dressed, libertinous diarist of our times lived a sparkling life and died in a vague manner, as one following Horsley’s career could have only seen as befitting the ‘Dandy in the Underworld’ who always seemed too big, or too fabulous, for the Upper World. An annoying diva to some, but when New Jersey denies you entry based on your “lack of moral turpitude” and Stephen Fry speaks affectionately at your funeral maybe you’re doing something right.
