Richard Desmond would like everyone to know that he knew nothing about the Daily Star's decision to champion the English Defence League until he picked up the paper at breakfast on Wednesday morning.
A spokesman for Desmond called to say that the owner of the Star has been away from the office because his girlfriend, Joy Canfield, is expecting a baby.
So, said the spokesman, it came as a surprise to him when he saw the Star's front page story and leading article.
I asked whether he disapproved. No comment. I pointed out that there was still pro-EDL material running in today's paper. No comment either.
But he did point out that, having called The Independent to acquaint them with the news of Desmond's surprise, that paper had graciously changed its online headline.
It previously read, as it does in the print edition: Has Richard Desmond decided to back the English Defence League? Now it has been changed to Has the Daily Star decided to back the English Defence League?
