The new editor of well known British magazine Gay Times has been fired after a series of misogynistic and antisemitic tweets came to light.
Josh Rivers was appointed to the role just a fortnight ago in a move that was heralded as a acknowledgement of the changing nature of the media industry.
Rivers, unlike his predecessors did not come from a journalism background, but instead had previously served as the publication’s Marketing Manager.
The magazine was forced to suspend, and subsequently fire, their editor though. A series of inappropriate tweets he made over a five year period came to light in the media, drawing widespread condemnation.
On his Twitter account Rivers made comments that were viewed as being misogynistic and antisemitic. He reportedly rallied against homeless people, body shamed gay men, and mocked disabled children. He also made comments towards Asian people that many saw as being racist.
The magazine released a statement announcing it had terminated the aspiring editors appointment.
“After an investigation of the facts surrounding historical tweets by Josh Rivers, the newly appointed Editor of Gay Times magazine; we announce that his employment has been terminated with immediate effect.
“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 does not tolerate such views and will continue to strive to honour and promote inclusivity.” the magazine said in their statement.
The magazine is set to have a major relaunch on November 30th.
Rivers has apologised for the tweets and said they do not represent who he is today. In a statement he said in the past he had faced”issues that prevented me from treating people with the respect and kindness I value so dearly now.”
He described his comments has “abhorrent”, “hateful” and “ugly” saying that he worked hard to move way from such beliefs and had pivoted everything in his life towards encouraging diversity and inclusiveness.
The exposure of River’s previous comments has also been a public relations disaster for a new dating app that aims to minimise racism and discrimination.
Rivers was one of the faces fronting ‘Chappy’ a new dating app that does not allow any discrimination including on the basis of age, race, or gender identity.
OIP Staff
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