FOX News is facing some serious social media backlash from Aretha Franklin fans.
After the Queen of Soul passed away on Thursday, the news outlet reported her death using a photo of Patti Labelle in their news package.
Viewers noticed that Fox News seemingly confused Aretha with the “New Attitude” diva when an image of Patti performing “Over the Rainbow” during a 2014 PBS special was featured at the end of the obituary. While Aretha was correctly pictured in the center of the screen, Patti is clearly visible in the background of the graphic.
The mix-up rightfully enraged fans of both music legends, as viewers took to Twitter to blast the network.
Umm, is that Patti LaBelle in the corner? pic.twitter.com/PmUPpgc0zb
— Philip Lewis (@Phil_Lewis_) August 16, 2018
Never one to let us down, Fox News runs Patti LaBelle’s photo for Aretha Franklin’s tribute. https://t.co/FUz86MLbM2
— Tia Barricini 🍄 (@NetDenizeNet) August 16, 2018
On the left – Aretha Franklin… on the right – Patti Labelle. 😳😳😳 pic.twitter.com/ScSkJuSaRL
— KINSEY SCHOFIELD (@kinseyschofield) August 16, 2018
.@fox REALLY???? You don't know the difference between Aretha and Patti? Shame on you!!! pic.twitter.com/6BxCT05gZj
— Stephanie Boudreaux (@s_sboo) August 16, 2018
FOX News has since issued an apology – claiming that the secondary image was accidentally obscured.
“We sincerely apologize to Aretha Franklin’s family and friends,” FOX News Vice President Jessica Santostefano told Access. “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.”
Patti shared a tribute to the “Respect” singer herself just moments after Aretha’s family confirmed her passing. “Today the world has experienced a tremendous loss,” she wrote.
“Aretha was a rare treasure whose unmatched musical genius helped craft the soundtrack to the lives of so many.”
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