The Advertiser apologises for cartoon about Greek fire tragedy
Adelaide newspaper The Advertiser has apologised to readers for a cartoon which depicted the Greek Fire tragedy last week.
Editor Matt Deighton apologised to readers for the cartoon, which made reference to wildfires in Greece which had killed more than 80 people.
Matt Deighton’s apology last week
The cartoon depicted Ancient Greek warriors attempting to put out the fires with ceramic vases and was named, ‘Another Greek Tragedy’.
But the cartoon, created by Valdman, was criticised across social media for its offensiveness and distaste.
RT
The Valdman cartoon in Thursday’s @SpearsAdelaide Adelaide Advertiser mocking the ‘Greek tragedy’ is an obscene and national disgrace.
Contempt for those responsible @greekcitytimes @GREEKWORLDMEDIA @PappasPost @GreekReporter @NeosKosmos @SBSGreek pic.twitter.com/aCARW3m0Ig— 🏛Elly Symons🏛 (@ellymariasymons) July 26, 2018
https://twitter.com/Kyri_1/status/1022718927523045376
The so-called “cartoon” in @theTiser simply insults and debases the memory of those who perished in the #AthensFires. It is a true #Greek tragedy and it ill-behoves cartoonists to make light of this hellish inferno and its terrible consequences. https://t.co/DIyItdks9R
— George Vardas (@VardasGeorge) July 26, 2018
On Twitter and Facebook Deighton apologised, saying it was never the intention of the paper to “hurt” or “distress” the Greek community.
“A cartoon about the Greek fire tragedy appeared in yesterday’s Advertiser and unfortunately upset many of the people who saw it.
“The cartoon was meant to be a poignant tribute to the Greek people, the tragedy they are now facing and their undeniable resilience.
“But many of you told us you found the cartoon to be offensive, insensitive and in bad taste.
“But we accept that we did, and, for this, we unreservedly apologise,” Deighton said.
