Public Statement by Ugly Mugs Ireland

CONTENT WARNING: This statement includes references to content that may be upsetting.

Audio version of this statement.

On 7 February 2018, our friend and colleague Laura Lee passed away. Laura was a sex worker and human-rights activist who campaigned tirelessly for the welfare of people who engage in sex work. She was a devoted mother, much loved by her family, friends, and colleagues.

In recent months, anonymous online accounts have circulated distressing and untrue material concerning Laura. Although defamation law offers little protection for people who have passed away, we feel compelled to correct the record on certain factual matters.

In October 2014, Laura and our representative Lucy Smyth both attended an academic conference in Ireland. After the conference, Lucy encountered Laura the next morning and found her very upset and injured. Lucy assisted Laura in obtaining support and later gave information to the Gardaí.

Some years later, Laura chose to make a statement to police. She tragically died by suicide several months afterwards.

We understand that a journalist involved in covering sex-work issues has since discussed these events publicly and acknowledged having had what he described as a consensual sexual encounter with Laura. We do not wish to comment on any specific allegation but wish to emphasise that Ugly Mugs Ireland had no involvement in any legal actions arising from that matter.

As a matter of general ethical principle, our organisation believes that journalists should maintain clear professional boundaries with the people they interview, in order to avoid any real or perceived conflicts of interest and to preserve public trust in the media. We call on media organisations and regulators to make this expectation explicit and to ensure appropriate ethical standards are upheld.

Laura dedicated her life to protecting others. We hope that renewed discussion of media ethics more broadly can form part of her lasting legacy.