Cricket Australia apologises for 'any unintended offence' from James Faulkner post
An Instagram post from the allrounder on Monday night was widely reported as him revealing he was in a same-sex relationship
ESPNcricinfo staff
30-Apr-2019
James Faulkner's initial Instagram post was widely reported • Getty Images
Cricket Australia has apologised for any "unintended offence" caused by James Faulkner's Instagram post on Monday, widely interpreted to mean that the allrounder was revealing he was in a same-sex relationship.
The initial post of Faulkner having dinner on his 29th birthday alongside his mother and friend Rob Jubb, who Faulkner captioned as "boyfriend", was reported by many major media outlets as being confirmation of a relationship. The post was later edited to include "best friend" but by then the story had gone around the world.
In a subsequent post on Tuesday morning, Faulkner clarified there had been a "misunderstanding", while thanking the support he had received, and Cricket Australia emphasised their support for the LGBQTI community.
"Cricket Australia does not consider the social commentary this morning from James Faulkner to be a joke, nor does James," a statement said.
"His comment was made as a genuine reflection of his relationship with his business partner, best friend and house mate of five years. He was not contacted for clarification before some outlets reported his Instagram post as an announcement of a homosexual relationship.
"James and CA are supportive of the LGBQTI community and recognises coming out can be an incredibly emotional time. The post was not in any way meant to make light of this and, though the support from the community was overwhelming and positive. Cricket Australia apologises for any unintended offence."