Record complaints over 'homophobic' Gately article

by Daily Gossip Oct 20th 2009 5:00AM

More than 21,000 people have complained to media watchdog the Press Complaints Commission over an article in the Daily Mail about the death of Stephen Gately.

The article, by Jan Moir, claimed that the singer's death was "not, by any yardstick, a natural one" - even though Spanish authorities had already ruled that he had died due to natural causes.

Moir also wrote that Stephen's death "strikes another blow to the happy-ever-after myth of civil partnerships" - and her article was quickly shared and condemned by users of Twitter.

Stephen Fry, one of the most popular Twitterers, used the tool to urge his followers to complain to the PCC.

A PCC statement said: "These complaints follow widespread discussion of the subject on social networking sites - especially Twitter - and represent by far the highest number of complaints ever received about a single article in the history of the Commission."

The watchdog has agreed to investigate and is reported to be contacting Boyzone representatives as well as approaching the Daily Mail.

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Oct 20th 2009 7:35AM

anna commented:

User rating: Neutral

Lots of people - young and old - die suddenly and sometimes in their sleep. Stephen's death was a shock and the fact he was gay had nothing to do with it! Let the poor lad rest in peace and let his family and friends grieve for their loss without having slurs surrounding the death.

Oct 20th 2009 11:36AM

Barbara commented:

User rating: Thumbs up

I was one of those who complained and hope that Jan Moir is dismissed.

Oct 20th 2009 11:41AM

michelle commented:

User rating: Neutral

What a low life this women is to make somthing so tragic into mindless gossip. She should be sacked idmediatly that article should never have been printed . RIP Stephen i only hope that your family and those closest to you will ignore this womens dicpicable writings . Your private life was nobodys business but your own .

Oct 20th 2009 2:56PM

cat on hot brix commented:

User rating: Neutral

Jan Moir is a disgrace, and should be sacked by the Daily Mail. I hope she is ashamed of herself.

Oct 20th 2009 4:30PM

melanie smith commented:

User rating: Neutral

I hope that further action is taken on this. It is unbelievable how disrespectful Jan Moir has been and I hope that this has not caused the loved ones of Stephens any more hurt than has already touched their lives and that they are aware of the massive amount of support there is for them.