With the publication today of Lord Justice Leveson’s report into the Culture, Practice and Ethics of the Press, followed by the Prime Minister’s comments in the House of Commons – it was clear to me, just how out-of-touch he as the democratic leader of Britain is with the ordinary citizen.
In July 2010 when I learned that The Sun newspaper had illegally been given my private data by the Metropolitan Police because I was challenging discrimination within Scotland Yard, it devastated me.
Not having the luxury of being either rich and/or powerful to challenge News International (owners of The Sun and News of the World), I made contacted with the Press Complaints Commission to stop The Sun from breaching my privacy – the PCC not only failing in its duty, but being as bad as News Group.
As a result of The Sun’s continuance threat to ‘out’ and spread lies about me and my challenges against the Metropolitan Police Commissioner, I was Forced Out as a gay man suffering with an illness in a humiliating way. I have been Fighting for Justice, ever since.
My experiences with the Metropolitan Police, The Sun and the Press Complaints Commission has been, and remains serious. I too strongly believe in a free press, but one accountable.
I had suffered discrimination at work, and was later diagnosed with a mental illness. A tabloid newspaper owned by Rupert Murdoch then threatened to out me at a time when I was already vulnerable, for challenging racism and homophobia within the Met – a public organisation.
My experiences have been another example of the illegal and inappropriate relationship between the Press and Police, yet David Cameron from what I heard today wants to protect those whom abuse people without a voice in our society.
The Sun paid not once but twice for the illegal private information it obtained about me (besides the lies, itself was going to print), but it has been me and only me who has paid the greatest price with the breaches of my confidential information.
No one is above the law, and this includes the Police, Press and its Commission.
This has been a… Hacked Off, ‘View from the Bottom’.
Take care, Max x.
Live Healthy, Laugh Often & Love Yourself!
Published by My Mum. Copyright © Kevin Maxwell Film, Media & Performance 2012.