Image copyright Gay Times Image caption Josh Rivers became Gay Times Editor last month

The newly appointed Gay Times editor Josh Rivers has been suspended over offensive tweets he posted in the past.

The tweets, some of which have now been deleted, have been described as racist, transphobic, homophobic and anti-Semitic.

Mr Rivers, who has since apologised, also made remarks about obese people and children with disabilities.

The magazine said the tweets "do not align with the values of Gay Times, or any of our employees".

It added: "Josh has been suspended with immediate effect while we investigate the facts. Appropriate action will be taken in due course."

Damage resurfaced

Rivers was appointed editor in October. In a statement he said: "I have long taken steps to address the issues that prevented me from treating people with the respect and kindness I value so dearly now.

"It is because of my past and my own awakening that I've since pivoted everything in my life towards supporting and empowering our community."

He expressed sadness that "the damage I caused before has now resurfaced to cause more pain".

Benjamin Cohen, Chief Executive of LGBT news organisation PinkNews, told the BBC: "I am frankly appalled at the litany of offensive Twitter posts that Josh Rivers made over a number of years.

"It is beyond surprising that the level of inappropriate and hurtful comments were not uncovered by Gay Times during the recruitment process for the appointment of the key role of editor.

"As someone who for many years wrote a column for Gay Times, I'm saddened that what was a great institution has had its brand so recklessly damaged by someone who was in office for just a few weeks."

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