On 24.06.2011 StigmaWatch contacted the Herald Sun regarding an 'irresponsible' report linking Ned Kelly tattoos to violent death and suicide. The report had upset a reader so much that an emergency intervention was arranged to keep him safe.

The article was based on a study conducted by Roger Byard, Professor of Pathology at the University of Adelaide, who found the rate of unnatural death to be higher in men with Ned Kelly tattoos.

The Herald Sun placed significant emphasis on the increased rate of suicide and extended the findings to the whole of Australia; even though the study was limited to 20 cases sourced from Forensic Science South Australia files.

When approached the Herald Sun Online Editor was quick to act, altering the copy to remove the sensational and potentially dangerous references to suicide.