The Sunday Times has published a lengthy clarification and apology to MP Louise Mensch after she complained to the Press Complaints Commission about an interview with her published on 6 November.
The online version of the piece is now introduced by the apology which states:
“This interview with Louise Mensch contained inaccuracies. The interview stated that Mrs Mensch had ‘posed in a see-through Stella McCartney sex sheath’.
“In fact, Mrs Mensch had told the journalist she had refused to wear the dress without a body stocking.
“The interview also stated that Mrs Mensch had blamed a journalist for the fact that she had volunteered that she had undergone plastic surgery. Mrs Mensch never said she blamed the journalist.
“The news article stated that Mrs Mensch ‘also blamed the venues she attended’ for her drug use. Mrs Mensch had made it clear to the journalist that she accepted full responsibility for her actions.
“The news article also quoted Mrs Mensch saying ‘in some ways drug-taking is a natural part of growing up’. What Mrs Mensch actually said was for those who have used them, giving up drugs is a natural part of growing up. She stated that drugs were not a necessary part of youth.
“We apologise for these errors and wish to correct the record.”
Email pged@pressgazette.co.uk to point out mistakes, provide story tips or send in a letter for publication on our "Letters Page" blog
