#JanMoir: Controversial article spurs Twitter discussion

Posted by Joe Siebelts on 10/20/09 • Categorized as Europe

A recent article from U.K. journalist Jan Moir has sparked debate from Twitter users. The article in question, published in Ireland’s Daily Mail, describes the death of Irish musician Stephen Gately. Moir’s article received attention due to the journalist’s focus on the singer’s sexuality in relation to his death.

As reported on the UK Guardian’s site, 22,000 complaints have been registered with the British Press Complaints Commission in regards to the article, a record for the organization. The Daily Mail’s site also received a 21 percent boost in traffic following the article’s publication.

Some Twitter users defended the journalist’s rights to free speech:

TheMightyEvo (Undisclosed) Team Jan Moir and Team Freedom of Speech (that’s as political as I will ever get, I promise). those “offended” by her need to toughen up. 20 Oct 2009 from web

katnook80 (London) Are we overeacting a little over Jan Moir and Stephen Gately, she may be ignorant beyond belief but she did not actually kill him! 20 Oct 2009 from web

TheKeyFiles (Undisclosed) I dont keep up w/Jan Moir, am I the only 1 that thinks she has a right to her opinion? IMO she spoke of his celebrity lifestyle.. Shocker!! 20 Oct 2009 from Echofon

Others reacted negatively to the nature of the article:

bendoyle1983 @NicolaRed (Undisclosed) Agreed. I think Jan Moir was misguided. Her editors are as much at fault as her. They thought they’d get away with it! NO GO! 20 Oct 2009 from web

derekrootboy (Scotland) When someone dies, it’s usually best to allow friends and relatives to mourn in peace. Jan Moir’s speculation about Gately WAS poisonous 20 Oct 2009 from web

gstopani (Undisclosed) Jan Moir should be sacked from her job, i can’t believe she still has a job after her insulting remarks about Stephen Gately in her article. 20 Oct 2009 from web

thulbert (Setauket, NY) Jan Moir. Word of advice. Learn when to stop digging… #fb 20 Oct 2009 from web