EZ-E

EZ-E you're attending to the topography of the behavior rather than the function. A laugh can do many things, it can communicate amusement, it can alleviate uncomfortable stuff, it can show that you've toughened up for your team. Him laughing means nothing other than he laughed. I'm assuming that it wasn't a haha that's funny laugh.

That's true, zoo, and I certainly wouldn't say any of this is Martin's fault. I think his reaction is real and he has a lot to deal with. At this point it also looks like his reaction has been highly unusual. And the media has run with a very personally vilifying angle on Richie, who still doesn't seem like that pleasant a guy, but...

I completely agree with you Zoogies. Richie has been completely vilified and I think it's unjust. However, behavior is functional (this is what I study for a living) so given the context, I understand Martin's odd reaction or at least think I do. I think there's too much blame to go around to pin it on any one individual and it's without a doubt something that goes beyond those two guys.