McQueen death prompts warning for UK media

 

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McQueen death prompts warning for UK media

The untimely death of Alexander McQueen has featured heavily in news reports worldwide since he elected to take his own life on February 11th, 2010.

However, it has since been suggested that news reporters may not have exercised enough responsibility when reporting the demise of one of the leading lights of the UK fashion industry.

In a comment piece for the Observer, Carole Cawalladr notes that many national newspapers have been quick to link Mr McQueen's suicide to his grief following the death of his mother ten days earlier.

Ms Cawalladr states: "Within hours of the discovery of his body, it was case closed: the mystery had been solved by a crack band of journalists."

She adds that while Mr McQueen's recent bereavement may indeed have been a contributory factor in his decision to take his own life, it is important to note that it may not have been the sole reason, as suicide is most often a consequence of an accumulation of factors.

An inquest into the death of the high-fashion designer opened in Westminster, London, on February 17th, but while what appears to be a suicide note has reportedly been handed in as evidence to coroner Doctor Paul Knapman by Detective Inspector Paul Armstrong, no official cause of death - or reason for it - has, as yet, been recorded.

Despite this, Ms Cawalladr states that several other apparently 'decisive' theories have been proposed for Mr McQueen's suicide by the media, ranging from the suicide of Mr McQueen's "close friend", the fashionista Isabella Blow, in 2007, to Mr McQueen allegedly being jilted by an unidentified Australian lover by one Antipodean newspaper.

Ms Cawalladr states that on average 30,000 people a week experience a bereavement caused by the death of someone close to them. She adds that given this statistic, attributing a suicide primarily to such feelings is "grossly irresponsible".

According to Samaritans, more than 60 studies have examined the reporting of suicide in relation to the behaviour of vulnerable people.

One such study cited by the organisation focused on a TV drama programme which portrayed a character taking their own life by a particular method.

Researchers who analysed subsequent accident and emergency and psychiatric service intakes found that 20 per cent of those who had attempted suicide cited the programme as an influential factor in their decision.

In her article, Ms Cawalladr states that one factor which may contribute to this phenomenon is that vulnerable people who have gone though a traumatic experience may view the suicide of someone in a situation they can empathise with as being akin to the granting of "permission" to make a similar choice.

Research suggests that media portrayal can influence suicidal behaviour and this may result in an overall increase in suicide and/or an increase in uses of particular methods.

Samaritans issued a media briefing to all national and regional media, to ensure responsible reporting, after the initial news of Alexander McQueen’s suicide. To view the statement please click here Alexander McQueen suicide: media briefing from Samaritans.

 

Samaritans

If you are experiencing suicidal thoughts or emotional distress, you can call Samaritans for support 24 hours on 08457 90 90 90 (UK) and 1850 60 90 90 (ROI), or email at jo@samaritans.org, or face to face - visit http://www.samaritans.org/ for your nearest branch.

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