It would seem that Rockstar did have a word in the ears of those responsible for this weeks rather disgusting GTA story. Despite the journalists rather lame bleating about how it wasn't anything really, the Star printed an apology and apparently paid Rockstar some compensation. Rockstar rather pleasantly donated the money to charity. The paper says nothing about the fate of the hack who couldn't be bothered to check his facts, but given they lost money over it I can bet he's doing some menial coverage right about now.
The apology in full
Link [http://tabloid-watch.blogspot.com/2010/07/we-made-no-attempt-to-check-accuracy-of.html]
The apology in full
ROCKSTAR GAMES - GRAND THEFT AUTO - AN APOLOGY
On 21 July we published an article claiming that the video games company Rockstar Games were planning to release a version of their popular Grand Theft Auto video games series titled ?Grand Theft Auto Rothbury?.
We also published what we claimed would be the cover of this game, solicited comments from a family member impacted by the recent tragedy and criticised Rockstar Games for their alleged plans.
We made no attempt to check the accuracy of the story before publication and did not contact Rockstar Games prior to publishing the story. We also did not question why a best selling and critically acclaimed fictional games series would choose to base one of their most popular games on this horrifying real crime event.
It is now accepted that there were never any plans by Rockstar Games to publish such a game and that the story was false. We apologise for publishing the story using a mock-up of the game cover, our own comments on the matter and soliciting critical comments from a grieving family member.
We unreservedly apologise to Rockstar Games and we have undertaken not to repeat the claims again. We have also agreed to pay them a substantial amount in damages which they are donating to charity.
On 21 July we published an article claiming that the video games company Rockstar Games were planning to release a version of their popular Grand Theft Auto video games series titled ?Grand Theft Auto Rothbury?.
We also published what we claimed would be the cover of this game, solicited comments from a family member impacted by the recent tragedy and criticised Rockstar Games for their alleged plans.
We made no attempt to check the accuracy of the story before publication and did not contact Rockstar Games prior to publishing the story. We also did not question why a best selling and critically acclaimed fictional games series would choose to base one of their most popular games on this horrifying real crime event.
It is now accepted that there were never any plans by Rockstar Games to publish such a game and that the story was false. We apologise for publishing the story using a mock-up of the game cover, our own comments on the matter and soliciting critical comments from a grieving family member.
We unreservedly apologise to Rockstar Games and we have undertaken not to repeat the claims again. We have also agreed to pay them a substantial amount in damages which they are donating to charity.
Link [http://tabloid-watch.blogspot.com/2010/07/we-made-no-attempt-to-check-accuracy-of.html]
