Irish Daily Star Editor Resigns Over Kate Middleton Topless Photos

Dublin, Ireland — The editor of the Irish Daily Star has resigned over the publication of topless photos of Kate Middleton.

Michael O’Kane had been suspended in September after the newspaper ran photos of the Duchess of Cambridge sunbathing topless while she and husband Prince William were on vacation in France. An internal investigation had been carried out at the time of his suspension.

The newspaper issued a statement saying that O’Kane turned in his resignation, effective immediately, amid the uproar among stockholders. The statement read:

“As a result of the publication on 15 September 2012, issues arose with the shareholders of Independent Star Limited.

Having considered those issues in tandem with Mr O’Kane, it is Mr O’Kane’s decision to resign as editor of the Irish Daily Star, effective immediately.

Mr O’Kane acted at all times in a highly professional and appropriate manner and in the best interests of the newspaper.”

The paper added that O’Kane followed all editorial policies and guidelines. It also thanked him for his service.

The newspaper re-published the photos after they appeared in a French celebrity gossip magazine. The photos were also used in French, Italian, Swedish, and Danish publications. No British newspaper printed the photos.

The Irish Daily Star is co-owned by Northern and Shell and Independent News and Media. The BBC said the owner of Northern and Shell, Richard Desmond, had threatened to shut down the Irish Daily Star after the photos were published.

Do you think Michael O’Kane should have resigned as editor of the Irish Daily Star?