The World Press Photo Foundation has suspended the attribution of the iconic Vietnam War photograph “The Terror of War,” commonly known as “Napalm Girl.” The image, taken in 1972, has long been credited to Nick Ut of the Associated Press. However, new evidence has emerged challenging this attribution. On Friday, following an independent investigation by forensic analysts and media experts, it was suggested that the photograph may have been taken by either Nguyễn Thành Nghệ or Huỳnh Công Phúc, both present during the incident.
This iconic image, which became a symbol of opposition to the Vietnam War, depicts five young children and four armed soldiers fleeing a napalm attack, with 9-year-old Kim Phuc running naked and distressed in the forefront.
Authorship of iconic war photo contested
Taken on June 8, 1972, the photograph had an immediate and lasting global impact and was awarded the “Photo of the Year” in 1973.
Derl McCrudden, AP’s vice president and head of global news production, stated, “As our report explains in great detail, there’s simply not enough hard evidence or fact to remove the credit from Nick Ut, and it’s impossible for anyone to know with certainty how exactly things played out on the road in the space of a few minutes over half a century ago.”
Nguyễn Thành Nghệ added, “People need to have an open mind, need to see the film and all of the forensic reports and judge for themselves where the truth lies in this story.”
The suspension of authorship will remain in effect until the true photographer can be undoubtedly confirmed—if ever. Despite this uncertainty, the photograph itself remains undisputed and continues to be a powerful symbol of the horrors of war. Kim Phuc, who survived her injuries, is now a Canadian citizen and an advocate for young victims of war.
This development has sparked a renewed interest and debate in the art and photojournalism communities, as the search for the truth behind this historic image continues.
