England all-rounder Ben Stokes who played a key role in Ashes series has slammed The Sun newspaper for publishing an article which contains sensitive information about his family.
The Sun published an article with the headline, “STOKES’ SECRET TRAGEDY Ashes hero Ben Stokes’ brother and sister were killed by his mum’s jealous ex, three years before cricketer’s birth,” which contains details of his family’s tragic past which Stokes has never mentioned in public.
“Today the Sun has seen fit to publish extremely painful, sensitive and personal details concerning events in the private lives of my family, going back more than 31 years. It is hard to find words that adequately describe such low and despicable behavior, disguised as journalism. I cannot conceive of anything more immoral, heartless or contemptuous to the feelings and circumstances of my family.
— Ben Stokes (@benstokes38) September 17, 2019
“If that wasn’t bad enough, the Sun thinks it is acceptable to sensationalize our personal tragedy for their front page,” – he added.
“To use my name as an excuse to shatter the privacy and private lives of – in particular – my parents are utterly disgusting. I am aware that my public profile brings with its consequences for me that I accept entirely. But I will not allow my public profile to be used as an excuse to invade the rights of my parents, my wife, my children or other family members. They are entitled to a private life of their own. The decision to publish these details has given and lifelong consequences for my mum in particular,” – Stokes wrote.
“This is the lowest form of journalism, focussed only on chasing sales with absolutely no regard for the devastation caused to the lives as a consequence. It is totally out of order,” – he tweeted.
“The article also contains serious inaccuracies which have compounded the damage caused. We need to take a serious look at how we allow our press to behave. Despite the fact that this has now been made public, I do please ask all concerned to respect my family’s privacy and right to home life,” – Stoke said.
Stokes was one of the most successful players for England in the Ashes series that ended recently. He scored 441 runs from the five Tests at an average of 55.12, including two hundred, and took 8 wickets. Further, Stokes has took a break from the cricket after the huge series.
