In 2011, Exaro burst onto the scene with a promise to “hold power to account” through in-depth investigations. The website, founded by City of London fund manager Jerome Booth, claimed to specialize in “evidence-based, open-access journalism.” However, its most notable investigation would ultimately prove to be a disastrous example of irresponsible reporting.
What Happened: The Exaro Scandal
Exaro’s troubles began when it started publishing articles about a paedophile ring allegedly operating out of Elm Guest House in Barnes. The claims, made by a witness known as “Nick” (later revealed to be Carl Beech), included allegations of child abuse and murder by prominent politicians and businessmen. The website’s coverage of the story was widely picked up by other media outlets, and soon the allegations were being discussed in Parliament.
MP Tom Watson, who had been passed information by Exaro journalists, raised the allegations in the House of Commons. Police subsequently launched a scoping exercise, Operation Fairbank, which later became a full-scale criminal investigation, Operation Fernbridge. However, the investigation was eventually closed after no evidence to support the claims was found.
Meanwhile, Exaro continued to publish articles about the alleged paedophile ring, including claims of murder and abuse by prominent politicians. The website’s editor-in-chief, Mark Watts, stood by the coverage, despite growing criticism from experts and other journalists.
The Exaro Investigation: Historical Context
Exaro’s investigation into the paedophile ring was part of a broader trend of conspiracy theories and misinformation that were circulating online at the time. The website’s use of anonymous sources and unverified claims was widely criticized by experts, who warned that the investigation was based on flimsy evidence.
The Exaro scandal also highlights the dangers of irresponsible reporting in the digital age. The website’s use of social media to promote its claims and engage with its readers created a sense of momentum and urgency around the story, which was later revealed to be entirely false.
Impact and Aftermath of the Exaro Scandal
The Exaro scandal had serious consequences for those involved. Carl Beech, the witness at the center of the allegations, was later convicted of perverting the course of justice and jailed for 18 years. Several prominent politicians and businessmen were also falsely accused of child abuse and murder, and their reputations were damaged as a result.
The scandal also had a significant impact on the Metropolitan Police, which was criticized for its handling of the investigation. The force’s commissioner, Cressida Dick, later apologized to the victims of the false allegations and acknowledged that the investigation had been a “failure.”
Modern Perspective on the Exaro Scandal
The Exaro scandal serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of irresponsible reporting in the digital age. The website’s use of social media to promote its claims and engage with its readers created a sense of momentum and urgency around the story, which was later revealed to be entirely false.
As we navigate the complexities of the online world, it is more important than ever to prioritize fact-based reporting and to approach claims of wrongdoing with a healthy dose of skepticism. The Exaro scandal is a reminder of the devastating consequences of getting it wrong.
In the words of the journalist Nick Davies, who has written extensively on the topic of media ethics, “The Exaro scandal is a classic example of how a false narrative can take hold and cause harm to innocent people.” As we move forward, it is essential that we learn from the mistakes of the past and prioritize fact-based reporting above all else.
The Exaro scandal also parallels earlier conspiracy theories that emerged during the Satanic panic of the 1980s, which led to widespread false accusations of child abuse and the imprisonment of innocent people.
In conclusion, the Exaro scandal is a powerful reminder of the importance of fact-based reporting and the dangers of irresponsible journalism. As we navigate the complexities of the online world, it is more important than ever to prioritize the truth and to approach claims of wrongdoing with a healthy dose of skepticism.