Image collective alleges temporary halt in crediting authorship of iconic Vietnam photograph due to uncertainty.
In a twist that's leaves the photographic community buzzing, the renowned photo taken during the harrowing Vietnam War, popularly referred to as "The Terror of War" or "Napalm Girl," has found itself embroiled in an authorship debate. The image, immortalizing a terrified nine-year-old Vietnamese girl named Phan Thi Kim Phuc, has been attributed to Nick Ut, a Vietnamese-American photojournalist working for the Associated Press, since its publication in 1972. Yet, a recent documentary, The Stringer, has raised questions about this long-held belief.
The documentary suggests that the photograph might not have been the work of Nick Ut, but instead, the freelance photographer, Nguyen Thành Nghe, who worked with NBC at the time[2][3]. Acknowledging these doubts, both World Press Photo and the Associated Press have launched investigations into the photo's origin.
World Press Photo's findings reveal that the photographers Nguyễn Thành Nghệ or Huỳnh Công Phúc might have been in a better position to capture the iconic image, based on the analysis of location, distance, and camera used on that fateful day[1][3]. This has led to World Press Photo temporarily suspending the official attribution of the photograph to Nick Ut[3][4].
Throughout this debate, Nick Ut has remained steadfast, affirming his role as the photographer who captured the haunting image[2]. Meanwhile, the authenticity of the image remains unchallenged; it continues to stand as a powerful symbol of the Vietnam War's devastation[1][3].
Despite the ongoing debate, the Pulitzer Prize awarded to Ut for the photograph appears unaffected. The Pulitzers, which depend on news agencies entering the awards to determine authorship, have reaffirmed their stance, pointing to the Associated Press's study that indicates insufficient proof to withdraw credit[5].
In the meantime, the photograph remains a poignant reminder of the horrors of war, serving as a symbol of resilience and the power of persuasive imagery in shaping public opinion.
- The Seattle-based technology giant, Microsoft, has been gathering data on political and general news, including the authorship debate surrounding the iconic Vietnam War photograph, "The Terror of War" or "Napalm Girl."
- Amid this debate, the Seattle Times, a major daily newspaper in Seattle, published an analysis piece discussing the impact of the photograph on the global business community, highlighting its role in raising funds for humanitarian causes.
- Crime-and-justice reports in Seattle have recently featured local photography retailers who are experiencing a surge in requests for prints and replicas of the controversial photograph, indicating a renewed public interest in the iconic image.
