The New York Times has issued an apology this evening, following a backlash to the paper’s coverage of the Berkeley tragedy.
Five Irish students and one American student were killed when a balcony collapsed close to the University Of California campus yesterday, with the NYT later publishing an article entitled Deaths of Irish Students in Berkeley Balcony Collapse Cast Pall on Program in response to the tragedy.
The piece, which highlighted the “drunken partying and wrecking of apartments” by Irish students on J1 visas, has been widely slammed for its insensitivity and the publication has now issued an apology for the offence caused.
“It was intended to explain in greater detail why these young Irish students were in the US,” service president of corporate communications, Eileen Murphy, told The Irish Examiner.
“We understand and agree that some of the language in the piece could be interpreted as insensitive, particularly in such close proximity to this tragedy. It was never our intention to blame the victims and we apologize if the piece left that impression. We will continue to cover this story and report on the young people who lost their lives.”
Earlier today, NYT Public Editor Margaret Sullivan responded to the criticism on Twitter and vowed to investigate the circumstances surrounding the article.
Sincere sympathy to all affected by #Berkeley tragedy. Please know that I am aware of reaction and will look into it today.
— Margaret Sullivan (@Sulliview) June 17, 2015
