‘Sorry you found it offensive’: Newspaper’s response to sexist joke slammed

The editor of a regional newspaper has been slammed for his apology after backlash to publishing a “joke” about domestic violence.

A small, regional Queensland newspaper has come under fire for making domestic violence the butt of a joke, warning readers to “be prepared to duck and cover” if they showed the published item to a female.

The “joke of the month” was published by Murgon Moments — the local monthly newsletter for the Queensland country town of Murgon.

After intense backlash, editor Leo Geraghty, published an apology on the publication’s website, blaming a late night on the job for the poor judgment and explaining the joke was a reprint from 2007.

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The apology printed by Murgon Moments editor Leo Geraghty. Picture: Facebook / @Cat Addams

Leo Geraghty (left) with his wife. Picture: Barclay White / South Burnett Times

Geraghty included in his response mentions of the 190 newspaper issues he’s worked on, and the volunteering he does, as well as his son’s mental health problems.

But many who read the item headline “APOLOGY RE THE Joke of the month”, noted that it didn’t appear to offer an apology for publishing the joke.

Rather, the note from the editor said: “Sorry you found it offensive.”

“Gotta love the old “I’m sorry you were offended” trope instead of “I’m sorry I said it”. And just because once upon a time someone would joke about this and it be accepted, doesn’t make it okay,” commented one Facebook user who shared a screenshot of the apology letter.

“I think it’s even offensive to keep Leo Geraghty’s non-apology in print,” said another. “No apology is better than that evasion of responsibility.”

The apology has since been removed from the website.

The original joke involved a doctor telling a female patient that the solution to her husband’s domestic violence towards her was to keep her mouth shut.

On Thursday, Queensland Attorney-General and Women’s Minister Shannon Fentiman confirmed she made an official complaint to the Australian Press Council about the item, saying it was disrespectful to victims and survivors of domestic violence, as well as the people close to them and support workers helping them.

“As Minister for Women and the Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence, it is deeply troubling that a Queensland community newspaper would publish such disgraceful content, and it must be reprimanded for disseminating this so called ‘joke’ to its readers,” she told The Courier-Mail.

Attorney-General and Women’s Minister Shannon Fentiman. Picture: Liam Kidston

There was swift outrage after domestic violence was used as the butt of a 'joke' in the regional newspaper'. Picture: Twitter / @camliveshere

“As a nation, we have come so far in our fight to end all forms of domestic and family violence, but it is these types of publications which belittle and undermine the very abuse we are trying to eliminate.

“I strongly urge the Australian Press Council to act swiftly on this complaint, to ensure all media outlets in every community are held to the highest standard.”

The backlash online was also been swift and damning.

“What is going on this week? First White Ribbon asks for cash to educate abusive men now this ‘joke’ is printed in regional Queensland publication Murgon Moments. Hope all the local advertisers pull their cash,” shared one Twitter user, also referring to an ad campaign by White Ribbon that drew severe backlash this week.

“Five women in Queensland have been murdered just this month,” shared Kaleidoscope news on Facebook. “Only a couple of days ago a five-year-old Queensland boy was also tortured and killed by his father.

“Domestic and family violence is a serious issue. There is nothing funny about it! Shame on you for mocking victims of domestic and family violence.”