Gay Times editor Josh Rivers sacked for offensive tweets
Gay Times editor Josh Rivers has been sacked from his role after less than one month after a string of offensive tweets published seven years ago came to light in the media.
Gay Times editor suspended in light of racist, transphobic, homophobic and anti-Semitic tweets
At the time Rivers issued a prolonged and broad tirade of hate directed at a wide variety of minority groups including Jews, ethnic minorities, disabled children, the obese and the transgender community.
Upon unearthing the unedifying social media activity, the Gay Times hastily suspended its figurehead, and later sacked him. This comes not long after he ascended into editorial from the marketing side of the publication.
The magazine said: "Gay Times does not tolerate such views and will continue to strive to promote inclusivity." It added: "We sincerely apologise for the offence that has been caused, particularly to those members of our wider community to whom such inappropriate and unacceptable commentary was the focus.
"Gay Times magazine will relaunch on 30 November, with what is quite possibly the most significant overhaul in its 33-year history.
"All articles written by Josh Rivers have been removed, and the new-look magazine will feature submissions and significant contributions from the far reaches of our wonderful and diverse LGBTQ community."
In his latest tweet Rivers adopted a more conciliatory note, apologizing for the hurt, offence and disappointment caused.
To every single person who is hurt, offended and disappointed: I’m sorry. pic.twitter.com/XAwz7llKxc
— Josh Rivers (@_joshrivers) November 15, 2017
Rivers’ mea culpa received a mixed reaction from his followers with many believing the apology was motivated purely fore having been ‘found out’.
He verbally trashed everyone under our great big beautiful rainbow & whilst doing so, showed his own colours! Is the apology sincere, or is he merely sorry that he’s been ‘found out’ & is now being held accountable?
— mandy (@mandygallacher1) November 15, 2017
Other respondents took offence at the use of the term ‘we’ to shift blame.
Not off to a great start, really. And by that I mean using 'we' in your apology. Scrap this, do it again.
— notgavin (@notgavin) November 15, 2017
Rivers was appointed on 27 October amidst much fanfare in an attempt by new owner James Frost to overhaul the title.