Iconic War Photo's True Author Questioned

The enduring image of "Napalm Girl," a searing portrayal of a child fleeing a napalm attack, has been attributed to Associated Press photographer Huynh Cong "Nick" Út for over five decades. This photograph, taken in 1972, is widely recognized for its role in shaping global sentiment against the Vietnam War. However, a recent documentary suggests that a freelance photographer, Nguyễn Thành Nghệ, may have actually captured the iconic shot.

The documentary "The Stringer" details an investigation into the photograph's authorship, reportedly stemming from a former AP photo editor's claims. This new inquiry posits that Nghệ, a driver who sold photos to news outlets, was the true photographer. Nghệ himself has come forward, asserting he sold the image to the AP for a small sum and has been haunted by the lack of credit for decades.

While the Associated Press and some photojournalists contest these claims, other organizations like World Press Photo have acknowledged the possibility of alternative authorship. The ongoing debate highlights complexities in war photojournalism and raises questions about the recognition of freelance journalists, particularly during the Vietnam War era.