Newspaper Condemns Inflammatory Social Media Comment Targeting Its Office

In an unprecedented and disturbing incident tied to public reaction over local government coverage, a London resident publicly expressed a wish that the office of The Manchester Enterprise was on fire.

The comment was made by Bonnie White of London on the newspaper’s Facebook page during a live social media post covering a fire in Manchester. In her comment, White stated, “I was hoping it was the newspaper itself, since they back Weddle and Josh Morgan!”

The remark came amid heightened online criticism following the newspaper’s reporting on a lawsuit filed by 86 City of London employees against the London City Council.

According to the newspaper, this was not an isolated incident. Editors confirmed that White has previously posted harsh and inflammatory comments on social media, including remarks critical of first responders in London.

Publisher Mark Hoskins said public disagreement with news coverage is not unusual, but the nature of this comment crossed a line.

“People get upset with stories from time to time — that’s part of the job,” Hoskins said Wednesday afternoon. “But we’ve never had someone publicly say they hoped our office would burn down.”

Hoskins said that following the comment, the newspaper received an influx of messages and screenshots highlighting additional posts made by the same individual targeting various entities and individuals in London.

When asked whether he viewed the comment as a threat, Hoskins said the situation was troubling but difficult to categorize.

“It’s an incredibly disturbing thing to say,” he said. “I’ve never spoken with this woman, and I’m not sure what specifically prompted her anger, but comments like that go far beyond criticism of journalism.”

Hoskins emphasized that while The Manchester Enterprise supports open dialogue and accountability, rhetoric involving violence or harm has no place in public discourse.

“Disagree with us, challenge us, debate the issues — that’s healthy,” he said. “But wishing harm on people or property is something entirely different.”

The newspaper reported that the comment was documented and addressed in accordance with its social media policies.