One of the UK’s leading LGBT+ news outlets, PinkNews apologises after publishing a story about Joanna Cherry QC which was later found to be untrue.
PinkNews has offered an “unreserved” apology to Joanna Cherry QC the MP for Edinburgh South West after it published a story which was later found to be untrue.
I’m sick of this witch hunt @PinkNews your tweet is defamatory. I am not being investigated for homophobia. I’m a lesbian for goodness sake. All HR matters in my office have been dealt with appropriately, with the direct support of @HouseofCommons HR service https://t.co/YZqypl1cH4
— Joanna Cherry QC MP (@joannaccherry) June 26, 2019
Taking to Twitter, Ms Cherry wrote, “Last week @PinkNews published a defamatory story about me. I’m pleased to have secured a full apology, a donation to a charity of my choice – @UKLGIG – & full payment of my legal costs”.
Last week @PinkNews published a defamatory story about me. I’m pleased to have secured a full apology, a donation to a charity of my choice – @UKLGIG – & full payment of my legal costs. Their apology and my statement are here. https://t.co/APLzed4bLr
— Joanna Cherry QC MP (@joannaccherry) July 3, 2019
In a statement, PinkNews wrote,
“The claim was untrue and we would like to apologise unreservedly to Ms Cherry.
“It is well known that Ms Cherry is a human rights lawyer. She came out as a lesbian over 30 years ago and campaigned against section 28. She has spent a lifetime marching and campaigning for the rights of the LGBT+ community and as a politician regularly speaks up for their rights in parliament and beyond.
“It was not our intention nor is it in our interest to alienate any member of the LGBT+ community and we are truly sorry for the harm caused.
“We are happy also to confirm that we have made a donation to the Lesbian and Gay Immigration Group at Ms Cherry’s request in compensation for the damage done and we have paid Ms Cherry’s legal costs.
In a statement published by Pink News, Ms Cherry wrote,
“I am pleased that the PinkNews has withdrawn this damaging and hurtful allegation. I believe in equal rights for all. It is not acceptable for lesbians who speak up for women and girls’ rights and against hateful speech and abuse to be denigrated. I hope the LGBTI+ movement can resume its previous habit of respectful debate over differences of opinion within the community.”
The amount donated to the UK Lesbian and Gay Immigration Group has not been disclosed nor have the legal costs involved.