Nothing could possibly undo the “obscene accusations and innuendo” published by media about John Furlong, the family of the former VANOC chief said Wednesday.

The words, written by Furlong’s children, said the family has been the subject of shame because of sensationalism in the press, including coverage of an ongoing defamation civil suit against a Georgia Straight freelance journalist and her publishers.

The statement was published two days after journalist Laura Robinson formally responded in court to being sued about a September story detailing Furlong’s early days in Canada.

Her response included a new list of unproven claims. Furlong has denied the allegations.

“We, Maria, Johnnie, Damien, Emma, Molly, our mother Margaret, our step-mother Gail and our children — 11 of them — feel compelled to make a public statement,” the statement reads.

“These shocking allegations are without merit and portray a character whom none of us recognizes.”

The family said the public should be concerned a journalist can smash into a family like a “wrecking-ball.”

“Imagine trying to explain to your nine-year-old child that an adult in a position of power has written that Grandpa is a racist, a wife-beater and a rapist because of what appears to be personal enmity,” the statement continues.