A radio station has been slammed as 'disgusting' after it hoaxed its listeners and the media (including us) about an alleged homophobic note sent by a mother in response to a birthday invite from two gay dads.
Last week, the story of two gay dads from Baldwin, New York, went viral after Long Island's K-98.3 publicised a supposedly bigoted note from the mother of a boy invited to their daughter's birthday party.
The note read: "Tommy will NOT attend. I do not believe in what you do and will not subject my innocent son to your 'lifestyle.' I'm sorry Sophia has to grow up this way. If you have an issue or need to speak to me."
The note went viral after it was posted to the station's Facebook page last Wednesday, prompting readers to offer support to the same-sex parents.
But now, the entire incident has been revealed as a hoax drummed up by K-98.3's Steve Harper and his 'Morning Show' co-host, Leeana. Oh how we laughed. Not!
The two posted an apology note on the station's website on Friday.
It read: "This story was, in fact, totally fictitious, and created by the two of us. This was done without the knowledge of K-98.3 management or ownership.
"We were attempting to spur a healthy discourse on a highly passionate topic, but we made a mistake by misleading our listeners into thinking that this specific situation actually existed.
"We are very sorry that we perpetuated this falsehood, even after it was clear that it had taken on a 'life of its own.
"We deeply apologise for violating your trust, and we will work hard to regain that trust."
Critics took to the station's Facebook page to voice their anger over what is being called a shameless publicity stunt.
One wrote: "Disgusting that you fabricated the Sophia Invitation story for ratings. SHAME ON YOU!"
Another added: "What exactly did you think would happen making up a fake story like this? There is enough hate in this world. You just lost a loyal listener!"
Not big, not clever, and not remotely funny. Shine a light on homophobia, by all means, but not like this, per-lease!
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