*Fox News issued an apology and attempted to offer an explanation for using a photo of singer Patti LaBelle in their tribute to Aretha Franklin, who died Thursday at the age of 76.
“We sincerely apologize to Aretha Franklin’s family and friends,” Fox News Vice President, Media Desk Jessica Santostefano said in a statement.
Hours after Franklin’s passing was confirmed, Fox News aired a segment highlighting Franklin’s most notable interviews and performances. However, viewers quickly noticed that on the composite slide with dates of Franklin’s life, 1948-2018, there was an image of LaBelle.
As one fan put it: “The dis-R-E-S-P-E-C-T. That’s really Patti LaBelle in the corner wtf.”
“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,” Santostefano continued.
The image in question is LaBelle’s 2014 performance at the White House, when President Barack Obama was still in command. Franklin was not, however, anywhere to be seen in that photo.
LaBelle paid tribute to her “sister in song” Thursday on Twitter.
“I am deeply saddened about the passing of the Queen of Soul and my sister in song, Aretha Franklin,” LaBelle wrote.
“Today the world 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,” LaBelle added.
My thoughts, my heart and my prayers are with Aretha Franklin, the greatest singer of all time, and all of her loved ones right now. ❤
— Patti LaBelle (@MsPattiPatti) August 14, 2018
Rest in peace Aretha. ❤ pic.twitter.com/QT7HeY5SIf
— Patti LaBelle (@MsPattiPatti) August 16, 2018
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