I think Selma probably misunderstood the context of Cecil's post, and its true intent. While Fred is an eminent Journalist with a huge presence on the Internet, Cecil's customary style is to have a go at him every now and then. Cecil picks up a raging issue, adds his own two bits of humor to it and throws in Fred for a measure or two. Fred does not mind all this, for it gives him a lot of free publicity. Sometimes, Fred does try to hit back and hold his own. There are times when he has succeeded, there are times when he hasn't.
To the innocent bystander, it would appear as though the two are the greatest of enemies but in reality the two are great friends and have huge mutual respect for each other. Their verbal duels are archived in other forums and should be taken with a tinge of humour and a grain of salt. They are all in good fun and spirit. Though Cecil's post may have had some element of truth in the background (by Fred's own admission), it was meant to be a tongue-in-cheek response, for a few grins only and not to be taken too seriously. While Selma is all upset and jittery, Cecil and Fred must be having a good hearty laugh over this! Cheers, Sandeep