Australian gossip columnist Andrew Hornery issues grovelling apology to Anthony Bell after making false allegations about him
Sydney Morning Herald columnist Andrew Hornery has apologised to celebrity accountant Anthony Bell after an article published last weekend made false claims about him.
The article, titled ‘Michael Clarke, Anthony Bell and Sydney’s most intriguing boys club’ claimed Bell was the founder of a boisterous ‘boys club’ lacking ‘family values’.
In his apology published on Sunday, Hornery wrote: ‘We acknowledge the outstanding contribution Mr Bell’s charity has made purchasing lifesaving children’s medical equipment in hospitals around Australia.’
Newspaper gossip columnist Andrew Hornery (pictured) has apologised to celebrity accountant Anthony Bell after an article from last weekend made false claims about him
‘The Sun-Herald regrets any suggestion Mr Bell is the founder of a ‘boys club’ and does not have appropriate family values.’
‘We acknowledge Mr Bell was a bystander to the incident in Noosa referred to in the article and in no way part of the dispute.
‘The Sun-Herald apologises unreservedly to Mr Bell for the hurt and suffering the article has caused him, his family and friends.’ the statement read.
The article has since been deleted online.
The article, titled ‘Michael Clarke, Anthony Bell and Sydney’s most intriguing boys’ club’, claimed Bell was the founder of a boisterous ‘boys club’ lacking ‘family values’. Pictured: Anthony Bell and Michael Clarke in 2014
In his apology published on Sunday, Hornery wrote: ‘The Sun-Herald regrets any suggestion Mr Bell is the founder of a ‘boys club’ and does not have appropriate family values’
It comes after Bell witnessed a blazing brawl between his close friend, former Australia cricket captain Michael Clarke and girlfriend Jade Yarbrough earlier this month.
The dramatic footage, obtained by The Daily Telegraph, shows a shirtless Clarke being screamed at and slapped by his furious girlfriend as others in the group, including TV presenter Karl Stefanovic and Bell, try to defuse the fracas.
The viral video of the Noosa incident shows Yarbrough accusing Clarke of sleeping with ex-girlfriend Pip Edwards on December 17, and messaging her to say she is the ‘love of his life’.
It comes after Bell and Today show host Karl Stefanovic (left) witnessed a blazing brawl between his close friend, former Australia cricket captain Michael Clarke (centre) and girlfriend Jade Yarbrough
All hell broke loose as Clarke, Stefanovic and the Yarbrough sisters were having dinner at a beachside restaurant in Noosa with Bell.
The video begins with Yarbrough screaming at Clarke before she slaps him in the face and pushes him away after the cricketer insists he didn’t cheat on her.
‘I’m wrong? I’m f**king wrong! You’re a f***ing liar. I can see everything. You called her,’ she screams, apparently referring to messages between Clarke and Edwards.
Bell and Stefanovic can be heard telling the couple to stop, which falls on deaf ears.
All hell broke loose that night as Clarke, Stefanovic and the Yarbrough sisters were having dinner at a beachside restaurant in Noosa with Bell. Pictured: Clarke and Bell in 2015
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