Summarised by Centrist
HarperCollins and author Byron Clark have publicly apologised to Conservative Party leader Helen Houghton after she challenged her inclusion in a chapter about women and the Alt Right.
The chapter appeared in Clark’s 2023 book, Fear: New Zealand’s hostile underworld of extremists. Houghton argued that placing her name in that context could lead readers to believe she shared or associated with extremist views.
A version of the chapter was also published by The Spinoff in February 2023.
A settlement statement said HarperCollins and Clark had never intended to defame Houghton and apologised for the “hurt and distress caused”. It described her as a supporter of free speech, Christian and conservative values, and leader of the Conservative Party.
Houghton called the outcome a victory for people who believe conservative, Christian or traditional views should not automatically attract an extremist label.
“When someone’s name is placed in a chapter about the ‘Alt Right’ and extremists, readers can reasonably draw conclusions about that person’s beliefs and associations,” she said.
Clark has frequently appeared in New Zealand media as a researcher and commentator on far-right politics and conspiracy movements, including through RNZ and The Spinoff.
The published statement does not say the original material was false, disclose whether Houghton received a payment or confirm whether the book will be amended.
Read more at Chris Lynch Media
Re-published from the Centrist with permission
