The shockwaves emanating from Kevin Spacey’s acquittal will once again force us to consider how we conduct ‘trial by media’.

The shockwaves emanating from Kevin Spacey’s acquittal will once again force us to consider how we conduct ‘trial by media’.
 
Exposing sexual impropriety is, of course, a crucial fourth estate duty. Still, it is just as vital that a clear distinction is drawn between the editorial values of reporting allegations of wrongdoing based on fact and crusading on behalf of accusers without pausing to consider the consequences of doing so in error.
 
The tiniest spark created by even the most well-intentioned news story can ignite a social media firestorm that burns through any of the meagre protection offered by defamation or privacy laws with impunity. While mainstream media is at least regulated and subject to government scrutiny, intemperate reporting provides fuel for freewheeling channels that refract the truth through the lens of their own agenda, devoid of guidelines.
 
Misinformation begets misinformation. Knee-jerk reactions beget knee jerk reactions. Careers, whole lives, are up in smoke before the facts are established and often before a gruelling legal battle has even begun. 
 
This is true of any reporting of potential crime or misconduct, but particularly so when dealing with sexual crimes, considering the enormous legal complexities and sensitivities involved.
 
This isn’t to try and defend the indefensible, merely a warning about the dangers of unleashing the full, unmitigated consequences before knowing the whole story – one I hope the media will heed.

‘You need the glamour of a big opening’: US actors’ strike starts to bite on red carpet | US actors’ strike 2023 | The Guardianhttps://www.theguardian.com/culture/2023/jul/24/us-hollywood-actors-strike-premieres-promotion-red-carpet-barbie-oppenheimer