The Associated Press issued this statement after a representative was able to view the film “The Stringer” for the first time on Saturday in Park City, Utah, when it premiered at the Sundance Film Festival:
The goal of The Associated Press as a global news organization is to report the facts. When we became aware of this film and its allegations broadly, we took them very seriously and began investigating.
For over six months we worked to examine all information about “The Terror of War” photo, repeatedly asking the filmmakers from the start to share their materials with us so we could properly investigate. They would not do so unless we signed a non-disclosure agreement or agreed to an embargo, which has hindered our ability to fully investigate and would have prevented us from correcting the record, if needed, which we explained to them. The first time any AP representative saw the filmmakers’ full materials was Saturday night.
As recently as December we reiterated our request to see the filmmakers’ full materials and they did not respond, nor did they include AP’s full response in the film. We were surprised and disappointed that the film portrayed AP as having reviewed the film’s materials and being dismissive of the allegations, which is completely false.
In a report published last week, AP outlined its findings to date, making clear we had seen nothing that proves Nick Ut did not take the photo. We also made clear we welcomed the opportunity to review any additional materials in pursuit of the facts.
During the course of our investigation, we attempted to speak with Carl Robinson — a former AP employee and key figure in the film — but were told we could only do so under conditions, which again would prevent us from investigating and taking swift action if necessary. AP did not place restrictions upon anyone we spoke with as part of our review.
We continue to reiterate what we have said all along – and said publicly last week: AP stands ready to review any and all evidence and new information about this photo. To do so, the filmmakers would have to lift the restriction they placed on all their contributors who signed non-disclosure agreements. We would like to review the visual analysis and report by INDEX and speak with all involved, especially Nguyen Thanh Nghe. As an international news organization, we are deeply appreciative of the work of local journalists and rely on them for their expertise.
We cannot state more clearly that The Associated Press is only interested in the facts and a truthful history of this iconic photo.
See AP’s earlier statement about the photo: https://www.ap.org/the-definitive-source/announcements/ap-statement-on-the-terror-of-war-photo/
Read AP’s report: https://www.ap.org/about/ap-report-terror-of-war/