The Rebel Wilson uproar shows that gossip columns belong in a bygone era

‘At a time when many celebrities have personal platforms that are bigger than those of media organisations, Rebel Wilson’s decision to take control of her own narrative was entirely predictable.’ Photograph: Raymond Hall/GC Images

It was a hellish week for the Sydney Morning Herald. Last weekend, gossip columnist Andrew Hornery wrote a bizarre article in which he complained that actor Rebel Wilson had not cooperated with his attempt to out her romantic relationship with a woman. The fallout was swift, with readers pointing out his conduct was tone-deaf and unethical.

The Sydney Morning Herald’s editor Bevan Shields joined the fray early in the week, backing Hornery in a tone that came across as both dismissive and passive-aggressive. The response was predictable: Shields was pilloried by fellow journalists and readers alike and the issue became a global story.