NUJ statement on the online abuse of Ben Hunte

  • 27 Nov 2020

"No journalist simply doing their job should be subjected to such harassment and hate-filled comments," said Michelle Stanistreet.

The NUJ has responsed in support and solidarity with Ben Hunte, the BBC LGBT's correspondent, who has been the subject of racist and homophobic abuse.

Michelle Stanistreet, NUJ general secretary, said:

"It is beyond appalling and disgraceful that Ben Hunte, the BBC LGBT's correspondent, has been subjected to racist and homophobic abuse following Lawrence Fox's tweet. No journalist simply doing their job should be subjected to such harassment and hate-filled comments. It is right that the police are now involved.
"The BBC must do all it can to protect and support its staff subjected to online abuse and the union will also be there for him. Together with the government's National Committee for the Safety and Protection of Journalists we are working on an action plan to protect journalists from abuse and violence, something that is alarmingly on the rise and needs to be stamped out."

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