Newspaper columnist Paul Sheehan stood down over 'unsubstantiated' rape story

Sydney Morning Herald columnist Paul Sheehan has been stood aside over an "unsubstantiated" rape story published last month.

SMH Editor-in-chief Darren Goodsir said in a statement that a formal review of the February 22 column had resulted in the decision to stand Sheehan aside until further notice.

The story alleged a Sydney woman was raped and beaten by a group of Middle Eastern men, a claim that turned out to be fabricated.

"The formal review, which included a comprehensive examination of editorial processes, found unacceptable breaches of fundamental journalistic practice," Goodsir wrote.

Sheehan and Goodsir have previously apologised for the article, which was headlined 'The story of Louise: the hidden scale of the rape epidemic'.

Sheehan particularly focussed his apology on "aspersions" against Middle Eastern people as well as purported inaction by the NSW Police.

"The original story included aspersions against the Middle Eastern community and raised untested allegations of inaction against the NSW Police," he wrote.

"Fairfax Media sincerely regrets the hurt and distress the reports caused to these groups, and our readers, and unreservedly apologises."