I have seen it repeatedly.
My interpretation was, and remains, that Yasmin stated it was on public record.
Fiona’s clarification was that Johnson’s wife has made the claim and to Tom Bower, that Johnson had never commented on it, but friends of his had confirmed that it had happened but only once.
Fiona is stating facts, and what she states show that in all likelihood it did happen.
I think that the term it being on public record he is a wife beater was perhaps the contentious point.
Fiona’s statement supports the view he was likely a wife beater and in no way trivialises the actions. She did not suggest it only being once was in some way excusable.
I think, as frequently happens, a statement is misunderstood, then massively misrepresented.
She has voluntarily stepped down from a charity that she has supported for 25 years due to the adverse noise that it has generated. I think that is very sad.