Complainants

Clare Balding - TV Presenter


I complained to the PCC over an offensive and unnecessarily derogatory reference to my sexuality by A.A. Gill in The Sunday Times. I had already written to the editor of The Sunday Times but it was his high-handed response that persuaded me to take further action. It is a big step to take on a major newspaper in such a public way but Scott Langham (PCC Head of Complaints), with whom I dealt directly, seemed very aware of the vulnerability felt by all complainants.

I did not employ a lawyer and am very glad of that, both in terms of expense spared but also it meant I could remain personally involved every step of the way. I found the PCC to be extremely helpful in guiding me through the process and ensuring that I was neither afraid nor confused. I was surprised by the amount of interaction between The Sunday Times lawyer and myself as the ball was batted back and forth but the PCC stepped in and put a stop to it once it was clear that the complaint had legitimacy and I was not going to back down.

The process itself took a long time because many of the panel were away for the month of August but as soon as the decision was made, I was made aware of the outcome shortly before it was made public, so that I had time to take it in. The only disappointing aspect was that while the PCC can ensure that The Sunday Times print the decision in full, they cannot actually make them apologise, which they still haven't.

You can read the Commission's adjudication in this case on our website.