The UK Sun apologized to an Italian man for saying he was the father of seven children, the UK Press Complaints Commission reported.
The Sun’s apology was published Oct. 13, but the PCC published its report on the complaint to the PCC over the error last week. The Sun’s apology reads:
“IN a story headlined ‘Greedy Bulgars’ (September 11), Salvatore Quero, a single Italian man, was identifiable in a photograph as part of a Bulgarian family claiming benefits.
“We are happy to clarify that Mr Quero is not a member of the family and was simply providing them with food.
“Our journalists strive for accuracy but on occasion we make mistakes. The Sun ombudsman will correct significant errors. Please contact her at ombudsman@the-sun.co.uk”
The PCC added that the Sun’s “article..inaccurately stated” Quero “was a 41 year old father of seven.” This is the story in question.
iMediaEthics wrote earlier this month about new Sun ombudsman Philippa Kennedy, who told iMediaEthics that her job mostly involves “handling PCC Complaints.”
UPDATE: 11/14/2012 9:33 PM EST: Added info
UPDATE: 11/16/2012 1:35 PM EST: As we noted on Twitter, iMediaEthics is looking into questions of bias against the original Sun article and is planning to do a follow-up report.