Australian Media Group Apologises for Katie Taylor Article
Posted at 11:48 Wed 15th Aug 2012 IST
Story by Mark Farrelly
Fairfax Media have issued an apology in relation to an article about Katie Taylor, which was published on the Sydney Morning Herald and The Age websites this morning
The piece, which was originally entitled “Punch Drunk: Ireland intoxicated as Taylor swings towards boxing gold,” has now been altered following a complaint from Noel White, Irish Ambassador to Australia and New Zealand.
The article contained some controversial references to Ireland, which have since been removed, including “For centuries, Guinness and whiskey have sent the Irish off their heads. Now all it takes is a petite 26-yer-old from Wicklow.”
The article contained some controversial references to Ireland, which have since been removed, including “For centuries, Guinness and whiskey have sent the Irish off their heads. Now all it takes is a petite 26-yer-old from Wicklow.”
The amended post now features an editor’s note apologising for the original content. It has also has attached the letter of complaint from White:
The article by Peter Hanlon in today’s on-line editions of Fairfax publications (“Punch drunk: Ireland intoxicated as Taylor swings towards victory boxing gold”) is a welcome celebration of the achievements of Irish boxer Katie Taylor and a timely reflection of the pride that Irish people have taken for some time in her domination of the boxing ring.
All the more disappointing then that the piece should lapse into lazy stereotyping. References to intoxication and to named drinks are inappropriate and beneath the standard that one expects of Fairfax Media. Irish people, much like Australians, take tremendous pride in their sporting heroes.
Over the coming days, as Katie pursues her dream of Olympic glory, Irish communities at home, in Australia and around the world will be cheering her on. It is to be hoped that reporting on her performance will be free of the kind of commentary which causes unnecessary and unjustifiable upset.
Yours faithfully,
Noel White
Ambassador of Ireland to Australia
When contacted by the IrishEcho, the author of the original article, Peter Hanlon, spoke of his regret at causing offence:
“I can only apologise and say that I abhor racism. The references in the story’s introduction, and further down to Katie’s closest supporters were poorly chosen; I wish I had my time over.”
What do you think of an article like this being published?
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