Daily Mail slammed for referring to Stephen Fry’s husband with inverted commas
A column in the Daily Mail has been criticised for using inverted commas to refer to Stephen Fry’s husband Elliott Spencer.
The questionable choice of punctuation was spotted by BBC Radio 5 Live presenter Nicky Campbell, who shared the image on social media before asking: “Why the inverted commas?”
This is the first time the paper has referenced Spencer in such a way since Fry announced their marriage in January 2015.
However, typo or not, Twitter users were quick to call the paper’s poor choice of grammar.
“This why “equal” “rights” is “crucial” .. Daily Mail on Stephen Fry & “husbands” move. #lgbt #equality,” pointed out one user.
“The Daily Mail just described Stephen Fry’s husband as his “husband” aaaaand that’s decades of progress thrown out the window,” added Emma Oulton.
The paper made the reference when writing about Fry’s planned move to America.
“Stephen Fry, 58, is to move to LA with his “husband”, aspiring comedian Elliot Spencer, 28.”
The actor, who was an early adopter of Twitter, faced strong criticism on the platform this week after comparing costume designer Jenny Beavan to a “bag lady”as she picked up a BAFTA.
After her acceptance speech, Fry joked: “Only one of the great cinematic costume designers would come to the awards dressed like a bag lady” – sparking a backlash.
One Telegraph columnist claimed that Fry’s comments were sexist – and illustrate that “a worrying number of gay men are misogynist”.
In a blog post after closing his Twitter account, Fry claimed that “too many people have peed in the pool”, slamming “nasty” users.
Spencer told the Sun that the pair are also planning to leave the country and move to Hollywood.
He said: “We’re moving to Los Angeles and I’m applying for a green card. We’re excited about having a new base.”
Of his plans for the future, Fry said: “I would hate to stop acting. I love film acting and acting in TV dramas – and writing.
“I hope to continue to write, and enjoy the pleasures of age.”
