WIBU to go to the papers about someone

[Sadie789]

I wish I could tell the story as it would help greatly but the details would be far too outing, but I’ve found out something about a friend which has made my blood boil and I don’t think they should get away with it.

Normally I wouldn’t be a “snitch” but this person has a high profile position especially at the moment, and has done something pretty heinous not to mention some other unethical things as a result of the heinous thing.

The reason I’m considering the papers is that this person was interviewed just a few weeks ago and painted as a bit of a local hero, which they absolutely are not.

They’re a friend of a friend so some of the details If they got out would lead back to my friend and then to me.

Has anyone ever gone to the paper about something? How did you feel afterwards? Did you get anonymity?

Just do point out this is not a “neighbour went for a 40 mile cycle in lockdown” type story.

@coachbombay a good journalist can promise anonymity. They may lose their job or be prosecuted (rare) but the editors code allows us to retain info on sources.

A good journalist would protect at all cost. Even if it means prison.

So they are not a public figure, it's bloody covid related, unless it's someone who's tested positive and then run around wilfully causing infection like licking hospital equipment, (for example). Why is it front panel news?!

Do it.

The OP made it clear it's a high profile person.
Tricky one.. I think I'd stay well clear but equally am glad when things like the Dominic Cummings story break. So that's not consistent.

If it’s something to do with NS / AS then yes as they’re both wankers

If I thought someone had done something awful, and used their position-authority to dodge the police or a reckoning then I would consider outing them like that.

This all just smacks of jealousy tbh.

If I disapproved enough and thought it was a matter of public interest then I would certainly think about it.

@NOTANUM

The OP made it clear it's a high profile person. Tricky one.. I think I'd stay well clear but equally am glad when things like the Dominic Cummings story break. So that's not consistent.

But she just said they aren't famous. Surely high profile is the same as famous?

So it's a local dignitary/official who has a conviction the public aren't aware of and who takes the high moral ground?

Or is it of interest at national level?

@Sadie789

The person isn’t famous by the way.

Op actually says

So they are a friend. What outcome do you want? If the police have already been involved then hopefully the justice aspect is being investigated. Do you want them fired? Again would assume this would come under police/professional registration? Is it public humiliation/ disgrace for them? Why not have courage of your conviction and openly report/whistle blow.
Have they broken the law or is it guidelines?

Is the heinous thing only heinous because of Covid ? would it still be described as heinous in normal times ?

I do like the word heinous.... It's so descriptive isn't it! Just seeing it in my mind's eye on the front page of a red top!

Are you bothered about them finding out it was you if it comes out?

Personally I wouldn't I've been on the receiving end of someone selling a story.
If it is AS I probably would I can't bloody stand him🤣🤣

Would your friend agree to this being released to the press?

You can be high profile but not famous.

My MP for example, it would be very much in the public interest to know if he had stolen prescription medication off his elderly neighbour to sell on the black market. Then used the money to pay for prostitutes which he travelled 300 miles to Ambleside to visit.

Unless you are local to me you would be unlikely to have heard of him.

Before you decide to report this to the vultures, perhaps you could question how it could possibly be of any benefit whatsoever to yourself, your family or your loved ones, and on the other hand how doing so may actually be detrimental.

Unless someone is doing something which continues to directly effect you and yours, I would suggest you stay well away.

Every day there are thousands of people committing wrong acts, ranging from misdemeanours to mass murder.

Don’t let other people’s affairs consume you, and try to focus on looking after you and yours ... That way you’ll stay much happier and there will be far less chance of something returning to bite you in the 4$$.

If there is a victim, you must ask them if they want this to go to the papers. Yes, people shouldn't get away with things, but if the victim ends up in the papers too and didn't want to, then you are not doing a good thing by exposing anyone you are just causing more pain for the victim.

Does the heinous thing becoming more widely known protect anyone?

OP, most major newspapers have a secure drop system for this sort of situation. This is the Guardian's.

www.theguardian.com/help/2016/sep/19/how-to-contact-the-guardian-securely

If the police have been involved, then one of two things will happen:

1. They will charge/prosecute and the details will reach the papers anyway
2. There won't be enough evidence and they can't prosecute

If it's 1, you don't need to do anything. If its 2, there is nothing you can do.

I spoke to a journalist 'off the record' and it was splashed all over front pages. Never again. I'm sure there are some ethical journalists out there but many are utter arses. So, if it's illegal, go to the police, otherwise leave it.

Oh god it’s nothing to do with Jason Leitch is it?
I’ve come to love him a little bit!😳