Scandalette

This article was the genesis of a small scandal in its day, a mere scandalette of little consequence.

In answer to something asked him, he says, "Oh, but that was a real scandal." Then turns to me and I say, “In contrast to now, which is a mere scandalette.”

I tried to concentrate on this very tiny but very fascinating scandal-ette involving a leggy blonde Russian researcher, but Jude Law — and Spoonerisms — kept distracting me.