Among the victims of Meghan Markle and Prince Harry’s interview with Oprah Winfrey was Ian Murray, executive director for the Society of Editors. Murray quit the society in March after he was condemned for defending the press from the royal couple’s accusations of bigotry.
“It is not acceptable for the duke and duchess to make such claims without providing any supporting evidence,” he said. “If it is simply the case the Sussexes feel that the press – by questioning their actions and commenting on their roles when working as royals funded by the taxpayer – were being racist, then they are mistaken.”
Evidencing accusations of bigotry being out of fashion, many hacks publicly attacked his statement, with some leading names disassociating themselves from the society. When its awards were jeopardised, along with funding, Murray had to go.
As such the job advert for Murray’s position, posted late in April, makes for interesting reading. Among the role’s duties are “promoting society diversity and inclusion initiatives”, with the successful candidate expected to hold “a deep commitment to diversity and inclusion”.
According to the advert, the society’s mission remains “to campaign for the universal right to press freedom”, among other things. Judging by the ousting of Murray, such universality does not extend to blaspheming against woke commandments. Thou shalt not question accusations of bigotry.
