Personal action: Telegraph Article

Some details about some actions I have taken against a major National news publisher.

It was regarding a news article headline featured in the Telegraph newspaper in December 2024.

A headline with a viewpoint from a disgraced television personality, Greg Wallace. He claimed to blame his autism for his inappropriate behaviour. This was regarding his bullying and sexual abuse when he was part of the television series MasterChef.

Mr Wallace was not diagnosed on the autistic spectrum, but I felt it was not an acceptable excuse to use the autistic spectrum as a factor for his behaviour. I felt that the story causes sweeping generalisation which causes a false generalisation which implies that all autistic men cannot be trusted near women I misperceived to abuse others.

Not only has it caused a negative stigma, but it could fuel discrimination and ableism against all autistic & neurodiverse men.

For the first time, I took personal action against the newspaper article through the publishing association IPSCO.

Because I felt it broke the code of conduct as the headline could wrongly discriminate against autistic men. However, the IPSCO and the Telegraph rejected my complaint when I received a response on the 24th December 2024.

I was very disappointed with the conclusions of my actions.

Context
My complaint against the Telegraph newspaper is the second time I had to take action within the past 12 months.
The previous time I took action was against cabinet ministers and the former Prime Minister of the previous government. This was regarding stigmatising and disrespectful remarks against disabilities and difficulties regarding their plans to reform the welfare system. This includes disregarding their difficulties and life challenges, including mental health and inappropriate, threatening remarks related to opportunities.
For more on my actions against the previous government read my blog article for details

Read my article

Wider context
The actions I have taken is part of a wider problem which I feel has become worsen since the pandemic. I have observed a lot of Irresponsible comments by public figures and key people in leading positions which misrepresenting disabilities and difficulties without any responsibility for the implications of the negative stigma.

I have written an Insight analysis document on this matter of representation of disabilities and difficulties related to government, parliament, public authorities, and the media.

Insight Document on representation

I have written a special insight and analysis document on the challenges of representation of hidden related difficulties & disabilities related to government, public authorities and the media
This document is now available to download and read by visiting the publications page

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Visit my current website for find out about my other special developments

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