Gay Times sacks editor Josh Rivers over racist comments about Jews’ supposedly “f***ing ridiculously large honker” noses

Josh Rivers has been sacked shortly after being appointed editor of the Gay Times, Britain’s oldest magazine for gay men, for a series of offensive tweets, including comments about Jews having large noses. Buzzfeed uncovered the tweets during research for an interview with Mr Rivers. He was suspended within hours of publication and fired a day later following a swift investigation.

In 2011, he tweeted: “I wonder if they cast that guy as ‘The Jew’ because of that f***ing ridiculously large honker of a nose. It must be prosthetic. Must be.” In another tweet, he repeated a soundbite from the animated show, Family Guy: “Jews are gross. It’s the only religion with ‘ew’ in it.” He also asked for film recommendations in a tweet but excluded films about the Holocaust. Further tweets directed offensive remarks at various other minorities.

Mr Rivers tweeted an apology on Tuesday: “To every single person who is hurt, offended and disappointed: I’m sorry. The tweets are horrible. They are abhorrent. They are ugly. They are so hateful.”

The Gay Times released a statement confirming that Mr Rivers has been sacked: “After an investigation of the facts surrounding historical tweets by Josh Rivers, the newly appointed Editor of Gay Times magazine; we announce that his employment has been terminated with immediate effect. We sincerely apologise for the offence that has been caused, particularly to those members of our wider community to whom such inappropriate and unacceptable commentary was the focus. Gay Times does not tolerate such views and will continue to strive to honour and promote inclusivity.” It added: All articles written by Josh Rivers have been removed.”

Campaign Against Antisemitism welcomes the swift and firm approach taken by the Gay Times which has sent a strong message that antisemitic hatred will not be tolerated.