Even public figures should have some level of privacy concerning their private lives – or so I’ve often argued on this blog. What about their families, though? Can the life of a relative of a public figure be considered fair game or should their privacy be treated identically to the privacy of everyday private figures? This piece on Inforrm addresses the issue in light of a recent UK situation where a situation concerning a public figure’s spouse that led to the public figure’s resignation was reported in the media:
A senior politician resigns over what he described as “personal issues in my private life”. It is not suggested that these issues give rise to any “public interest” but the following day the press headlines tell millions of readers what the issues are. The individuals whose private lives are involved have not given consent. This is, in essence, the Alan Johnson story. Have the newspapers and broadcaster who have set out the “personal issues” for their readers acted responsibly and in accordance with the PCC Code?
Read more on Inforrm’s Blog.