After the passing of legendary singer Aretha Franklin, Fox News took some heat for mixing up their divas in one of their graphics.
The network ran a pretty extensive tribute to the singer after news of her death broke. But Twitter users noticed that one a graphic during a tribute segment featured singer Patti LaBelle.
Umm, is that Patti LaBelle in the corner? pic.twitter.com/PmUPpgc0zb
— philip lewis (@Phil_Lewis_) August 16, 2018
Upon further inspection, the image in the top right of the graphic was taken during LaBelle’s visit to the White House for a performance during Barack Obama presidency. The image first appeared in an article from the Australian outlet SBS News.
After the mistake was mocked on social media, Fox acknowledged the screw-up and issued an apology.
“We sincerely apologize to Aretha Franklin’s family and friends,” Jessica Santostefano, Vice President, Media Desk at Fox News told TheWrap. “Our intention was to honor the icon using a secondary image of her performing with Patti LaBelle in the full screen graphic, but the image of Ms. Franklin was obscured in that process, which we deeply regret.”
LaBelle issued her own tribute to Frankin in a Twitter post this Thursday.
Rest in peace Aretha. ❤ pic.twitter.com/QT7HeY5SIf
— Patti LaBelle (@MsPattiPatti) August 16, 2018
“I am deeply saddened about the passing of the Queen of Soul and my sister in song, Aretha Franklin,” LaBelle wrote. “Today the word has experienced a tremendous loss. Aretha was a rare treasure whose unmatched musical genius helped craft the soundtrack to the lives of so many. My sympathy, love and prayers go out to her family, loved ones and fans around the globe.”
Featured image via Flickr
