Prominent LBC radio host Natasha Devon has issued an apology for falsely disputing reports that hostages taken by Hamas in Gaza on October 7th were subjected to sexual violence. In a lengthy letter released Tuesday, Devon admitted to making a serious error on her April 27 show. "I made the point that there is dispute around whether, very tragically, some of the hostages taken on October 7 were raped when held by Hamas," she wrote. "I said this because I had read some commentary on this subject that I thought was credible, but it wasn't. That commentary was erroneous. I should not have repeated this commentary. I was in error in doing so, and I wholeheartedly apologize."
She stressed that she has changed her mind and now fully believes sexual violence was perpetrated in captivity by Hamas against female hostages taken from Israel on Oct. 7. "To reiterate: Having had the time and space to properly research this now, it is indisputable that rape occurred and I apologize for bringing some erroneous commentary into the mix.
Devon directly refuted her previous comments, stating "There is plenty of credible evidence some of the hostages taken on October 7 were subjected to horrific sexual violence. This includes verification from the United Nations Security Council and of course the testimony of the women themselves. I want to state here unequivocally that I believe them and I don't dispute their testimonies."
An apology. Please take the time to read in full and know that every word is sincerely meant. pic.twitter.com/lwc91xfg1o
— Natasha Devon
(@_NatashaDevon) April 30, 2024
The host took full responsibility for the mistake, admitting "It was an error of research, and probably a little naive on my part, but absolutely not a desire to deny rape...I'm disappointed with myself for allowing this to happen. I will do better in the future." In the letter, Devon also apologized to a caller named Lucy who she said she "was too quick to judge in the moment" during the controversial broadcast.
While acknowledging the "immense pressure" journalists face to not "misspeak" during live shows, Devon made clear her comments were inexcusable: "I hope you'll appreciate the immense pressure we are all under as journalists and broadcasters every day not to put a foot wrong and misspeak, and sometimes, especially in a live broadcast environment where you have to think quickly, mistakes are made. I think it's best to acknowledge them when they happen and apologize unreservedly – and that's what I'm doing." Devon announced plans to repeat the apology on her next LBC show on May 4 and has donated her fee from the April 27 broadcast to the Diaspora Alliance, which works "to combat antisemitism and foster harmony between minority communities."
