A PRO-YES independent online broadcaster has issued a statement after a controversial post “absolutely crashed” their “neutrality as a group”.
Independence Live said someone who had access to their Facebook page – but was not one of their live streamers – was behind a post on Monday which called former first minister Alex Salmond “morally corrupt”.
Salmond was aquitted of 13 alleged sexual offences following a high profile court case in 2020 - he has always maintained his innocence.
INDEPENDENCE LIVE - STATEMENT on Facebook. pic.twitter.com/bpZ0wrUA2L
— Independence Live (@IndyLiveStream) February 7, 2023
The post sparked outrage among some of the broadcaster’s fanbase and was swiftly removed by admins.
Kevin Gibney, co-founder of Independence Live, told The National the person – who he would not identify – was given access to the group’s Facebook page and was able to post.
He said: “We will deal with this internally in a quiet and reasonable fashion and not on social media.”
However, a brief statement addressing the controversy was published on Facebook on Tuesday.
It read: “There was a post put out yesterday that absolutely crashed our neutrality as a group.
“As soon as we were informed it was pulled. Independence Live have supported all indy parties both big and small since 2013 and absolutely nothing will change that.
“In addition our group have been informed to avoid all issues that cause division within the movement.”
It added: “This isn’t just about us, Scottish independence is too important and it is obvious to everyone that the movement is under immense strain.”
The post which caused the controversy appeared to be in response to Alba leader Salmond’s intervention in the transgender law reform debate – which he said was causing disruption to the independence strategy and cited concerns around women’s safety.
aye,,,,this pic.twitter.com/phFXAG8CbK
— Clem Fandango in Albatraz (@ColonyScotland) February 6, 2023
The post read: “I find it incredibly strange that those most vocal about defending the safe places of women also support Alex Salmond. A person whose own defence lawyer is on record stating, at the trial of Salmond, ‘that he wished the former first minister was a better person’
“We all wish he was a better person, especially those in his proximity, but he was not and let everyone down by his actions.
“Actions that are recognised as not being illegal but were most certainly morally corrupt.”
The post went on to defend the Scottish Government’s gender recognition law reforms and said those opposed were using the “same scare stories and out-and-out lies that were used when the laws on homosexuality were getting amended”.
Reaction to the later statement was generally positive, however one Twitter account said: “You owe Eck an apology.”
Another said: “Unfortunately rogue elements are creeping into independence groups, well done for acting quickly and without hesitation by removing the post and maintaining indy livestream as part of the yes movement and not the political one. You do an important job as neutral participants.”
Gibney said that his group planned for those with access to Independence Live’s social media channels to “have to post their names next to anything they post” following the outrage.
