The Word Apologise to Morrissey

Music publication ‘The Word’ has publicly apologized to music genius Morrissey over an article that the singer claims depicted him as a racist and a hypocrite.

The Word piece that appeared earlier this year was a review of Morrissey’s latest album and included anti Morrissey rantings such as the following:

"For his waving of the flag (for publicity too, it would seem), for his ingrained habit of paying lip service to anti-racism while talking like an old Tory immigration spokesman, and for his abandonment of everything that made The Smiths a band for outsiders, Morrissey should be ashamed of himself."

It is alleged that the content of The Word album review was influenced by an NME interview with the former Smiths front man published towards the end of 2007. The article appeared to show Morrissey making negative comments regarding the high levels of immigration in the UK, after being asked if he would ever consider moving back to the country.

Being born to migrant parents himself Morrissey believes he has been viewed as hugely hypocritical after the NME article came out.

"I believe they have deliberately tried to characterise me as a racist in a recent interview I gave them in order to boost their dwindling circulation," he said of the NME at the time.

The author of the interview, Tim Jonze, has since rubbished the published NME article stating that the NME rewrote the piece that he had presented. In an email regarding the article he stated:

"I should mention that for reasons I'll probably never understand, NME have rewritten the Moz (Morrisey) piece. I had a read and virtually none of it is my words or beliefs so I've asked for my name to be taken off it. Just so you know when you read it.”

Morrisey was not in court today but issued a statement after the hearing which said:

"I am obviously delighted with this victory and the clearing of my name in public, where it is loud and clear for all to hear’.

"The NME have calculatedly tried to damage my integrity and to label me as a racist in order to boost their diminishing circulation."

"Word magazine made the mistake of repeating those allegations, which they now accept are false and, as a result, have apologised in open court.

"I will now continue to pursue my legal action against the NME and its editor until they do the same."

His solicitor John Reid has confirmed that his client is ‘absolutely committed’ to pursuing his action against the publication.

written by: AnnaB

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