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World Press Photo Suspends Attribution for Iconic Vietnam War Photograph

The organization cites unresolved doubts about authorship after a recent investigation, while the Associated Press reaffirms Nick Ut's credit.

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FILE - Pulitzer Prize-winning photographer Nick Ut, center, flanked by Kim Phuc, left, holds the" Napalm Girl", his Pulitzer Prize winning photo as they wait to meet with Pope Francis during the weekly general audience in St. Peter's Square at The Vatican, May 11, 2022. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia, file)
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Vietnam War survivor Kim Phuc Phan Thi, left, also known as the 'Napalm Girl,' poses with photojournalist Nick Út holding the Pulitzer Prize and World Press Photo award-winning photograph during the presentation of the Spanish edition of her book at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Worship in San José on April 12, 2023.

Overview

  • World Press Photo has suspended the authorship attribution of the 1972 photograph 'The Terror of War,' commonly known as 'Napalm Girl,' citing significant doubts raised by a recent investigation.
  • The investigation, prompted by the documentary 'The Stringer,' suggested that Nguyễn Thành Nghệ or Huỳnh Công Phúc may have been better positioned to take the photograph than Nick Ut.
  • The Associated Press conducted its own review and maintains Nick Ut's credit, citing insufficient definitive evidence to reassign authorship over 50 years after the photo was taken.
  • World Press Photo emphasized that the image's authenticity and historical significance remain undisputed, and the 1973 award for the photograph will not be rescinded.
  • Nick Ut continues to assert his authorship of the photograph, describing the ongoing dispute as deeply painful and challenging to his legacy.