Nick Lamb, son of the late Sun editor Larry Lamb, has publicly criticized the forthcoming Danny Boyle film adaptation of the stage play Ink, accusing it of misrepresenting his parents’ relationship by fabricating an extramarital affair involving his father. The film, which is scheduled for release in January, dramatizes the early days of The Sun newspaper under Rupert Murdoch's ownership, with Larry Lamb portrayed by actor Jack O’Connell.

In letters addressed to director Danny Boyle and playwright James Graham, Nick Lamb rejected the film’s suggestion of a "prolonged" affair between Larry Lamb and a married colleague, calling this element a “complete invention” that unfairly tarnishes the memory of his mother, Joan Lamb. He argued that the depiction invites audiences to view his mother as either deceived, complicit, or unaware of her husband's alleged infidelity—all interpretations he said diminish her character and disrespect the enduring marriage shared by his parents. According to Nick Lamb, his mother was “his father’s rock, his confidante and his most trusted adviser,” characterized by considerable intelligence, strength, and dignity.

While acknowledging Larry Lamb’s status as a public figure, which subjected him to dramatic interpretation, Nick Lamb emphasized that his mother was a private individual who should not be subject to fictional portrayals that undermine her integrity. He described his parents’ marriage as an “extraordinary partnership” built on “mutual respect, absolute loyalty and a profound devotion” that lasted more than 50 years.

Nick Lamb also expressed disappointment regarding statements made by actress Liz White, who plays Joan Lamb in the film. White had characterized her role as a “long-suffering wife” who experienced betrayal, remarks that Lamb claimed lent unwarranted credibility to the affair allegations. He has requested a public apology and correction from the actress and indicated he would consider legal action should further falsehoods arise. Lamb conveyed his frustration over White’s portrayal, stating it was a “gross and deeply hurtful distortion” of the woman his mother was and the marriage they shared.

Following initial discussions with Boyle and Graham, Lamb said he reached out to share historical information about his father but received no response, leading him to believe the filmmakers were not interested in verifying certain facts. He reported that Boyle assured him the film treats Joan Lamb with “dignity and respect” and that Larry Lamb would not be remembered primarily for a fictitious affair. Representatives for Boyle, Graham, and White were contacted for comment but had not responded at the time of publication.