Times cartoonist 'unaware' piece would be published on Holocaust Memorial Day
Sunday Times cartoonist Gerald Scarfe has issued a statement regarding the criticism he faced over a a cartoon published in the newspaper:
First of all I am not, and never have been, anti-Semitic.
The Sunday Times has given me the freedom of speech over the last 46 years to criticise world leaders for what I see as their wrong-doings.
This drawing was a criticism of Netanyahu, and not of the Jewish people: there was no slight whatsoever intended against them.
I was, however, stupidly completely unaware that it would be printed on Holocaust Day, and I apologise for the very unfortunate timing.
Yesterday News Corp chairman Rupert Murdoch was forced to apologise for the cartoon, which he described as "grotesque" and "offensive".
More top news
Big energy firms line pockets while we are all shivering
Despite a big profit rise SSE is sending out a warning that it is "highly likely" bills will go up.
Entire lolly stick pulled from puppy's stomach
The 15-month-old Shih Tzu was showing some tell tale signs that something wasn't quite right after swallowing the stick.
Sharon Osborne to return to The X Factor
Original X Factor judge Sharon Osborne is to return to the show for its 10th anniversary.