England batsman Ben Stokes says the Sun newspaper’s front-page story about his family is “utterly disgusting” and the “lowest form of journalism”.
The newspaper alleges that some of his family, based in New Zealand, had to deal with what Stokes describes as “deeply personal and traumatic events”.
Stokes, 28, who starred as England won the World Cup this summer, called the article “immoral and heartless”.
The BBC has contacted the Sun for a response.
In a statement, Stokes said the story concerned “events in the private lives of my family, going back more than 31 years” and had “serious inaccuracies which has compounded the damage caused”.
He also said: “The decision to publish these details has grave and lifelong consequences for my mum in particular.”
The Durham and England all-rounder added: “To use my name as an excuse to shatter the privacy and private lives of – in particular – my parents is utterly disgusting.
“It is hard to find words that adequately describe such low and despicable behaviour, disguised as journalism.
“I cannot conceive of anything more immoral, heartless or contemptuous to the feelings and circumstances of my family.”
Stokes produced the match-winning innings as England’s men won their first Cricket World Cup at Lord’s in July before an incredible 135 not out in the third Ashes Test against Australia at Headingley last month saw England stay in contention in a series they eventually drew 2-2.
He added: “I am aware that my public profile brings with it consequences for me that I accept entirely.
“But I will not allow my public profile to be used as an excuse to invade the rights of my parents, my wife, my children or other family members. They are entitled to a private life of their own.
“For more than three decades, my family has worked hard to deal with the private trauma inevitably associated with these events and has taken great care to keep private what were deeply personal and traumatic events.
“On Saturday the Sun sent a ‘reporter’ to my parents’ home in New Zealand to question them, out of the blue, on this incredibly upsetting topic. If that wasn’t bad enough, the Sun think it is acceptable to sensationalise our personal tragedy for their front page.
“This is the lowest form of journalism, focused only on chasing sales with absolutely no regard for the devastation caused to lives as a consequence. It is totally out of order.”
