Many readers have wondered why we have not allowed comments on some stories about the sex-abuse allegations against Seattle's mayor. Here are the reasons.
The Seattle Times periodically prohibits reader comments on selected stories. In the case of stories related to a recent lawsuit alleging that Seattle Mayor Ed Murray sexually abused teens in the 1980s, we’re taking a two-pronged approach.
We have closed comments on stories that focused on the accusations; we’ve left them open on stories about the political ramifications and legal strategy.
Some background: Seattle Times commenting threads draw criticism on all sides. Some readers believe we’re too restrictive; others, too lax. We attempt, within the limits of our resources, to allow discussion of the issues of the day while still upholding our terms of service, which forbid name-calling and personal attacks against the subjects or sources of our stories.
Ed Murray investigation
- Ex-foster son of Ed Murray files $1M claim against Seattle, alleging negligence and defamation
- Texts and emails reveal behind-the-scenes battles as Ed Murray tried to save his career
- Ed Murray's time as Seattle mayor boosted his pension past $100,000 a year for life
- Seattle Mayor Ed Murray resigns after fifth child sex-abuse allegation
- Accuser files new suit against former mayor Ed Murray, adds city of Seattle as defendant
- Murray's cousin accuses him of child molestation
- Man who sued Murray over alleged sex abuse wants millions from the city
- Lawsuit alleges Murray sexually abused troubled teen in 1980s
- Meet Lincoln Beauregard, the lawyer for Mayor Murray’s accuser
- ‘He knows my name’: Accuser speaks out
- Why we're not allowing reader comments
- Podcast: How our story came together
In our experience, many articles generate hateful and offensive comments that outweigh any benefits of discussion — local stories about accusations of abuse are among them. Because these articles involve members of the community we serve — both the accusers and the accused — we frequently disallow commenting on them.
For more information, you can visit our FAQ page on commenting.