HUH? The NYT goes passive in its headline phrasing about the Eric Schneiderman allegations

The New York Times’ headline about the four women who have accused New York attorney general Eric Schneiderman of “violent abuse” is interestingly passive.

Breaking News: 4 women are said to have accused New York’s attorney general, Eric Schneiderman, of assault. He had long cast himself as a champion of women. https://t.co/AvFzL5EVfH

— The New York Times (@nytimes) May 7, 2018

That is very unusual headline phraseology. Since it’s based off a report from the New York Post, you would expect to read “reportedly” or something of the like.

But there is a reason the Times chose to go with “are said.”

Newspaper of record is said to have used passive voice to avoid crediting a competitor in a headline. pic.twitter.com/LASCoIVQPS

— Josh Greenman (@joshgreenman) May 8, 2018

That is said to be a very shortsighted strategy.

Related:

HOLY SH*T! Four women accuse #MeToo crusader NY AG Eric Schneiderman of 'violent physical abuse' https://t.co/qTBgti5ZV0

— Twitchy Team (@TwitchyTeam) May 7, 2018

'UNCANNY'! This Donald Trump tweet about NY AG Eric Schneiderman proved SPOOKILY SPOT-ON https://t.co/yEugaJDYHv

— Twitchy Team (@TwitchyTeam) May 8, 2018