X

Meet the Press apologizes to survivor after naming of Boston Marathon bombers

Adrianne Haslet-Davis, a professional dancer who lost part of her leg at the Boston Marathon bombings last year, asked NBC’s Meet the Press not to mention the bombers’ names this week during an interview.  But, the suspects were named, apparently during a pre-interview, and Haslet-Davis left the interview.

In tweets, Haslet-Davis slammed Meet the Press.

 

 

 

 

 

Haslet-Davis also posted a letter on her website about the incident saying she “specifically” requested NBC News not mention the suspects’ name and that they call her a “survivor, not a victim.”  Haslet-Davis wrote:

“Your decision to back out on that promise you made and the horrific way you brought that decision to my attention just minutes prior to taping was not only a cowardice move but a dishonorable one as well. To say that I am hurt is an understatement, for you not only disrespected me, you disrespected the survivors of the bombing and the victims memories by blatantly disregarding this request and putting the value of a terrorist’s name, who put a city in turmoil and caused irrevocable damage physically and emotionally to people of this city, over Boston’s integrity, fortitude, and my personal well being.”

According to Haslet-Davis, NBC News did uphold her request to call her a survivor. 

The Associated Press reported that NBC News spokesperson Erika Masonhall said NBC News’ president apologized in a voicemail to Haslet-Davis.

An NBC spokesperson told POLITICO:

“Adrianne Haslet-Davis is an inspiring survivor with an important story to share. She was due to take part in a roundtable discussion for Meet the Press with three other participants. She requested that the alleged bombers’ name not be used in the entire program, but given the nature of the discussion we couldn’t make that guarantee. We regret any distress caused by this miscommunication.”

David Gregory, host of Meet the Press, also tweeted apologies.
 

 

 

 

Mediaite cited unnamed “sources at NBC” saying the names of the bombers were mentioned before taping so Haslet-Davis won’t be in Sunday’s show.

iMediaEthics has written to Haslet-Davis and NBC News for comment. We’ll update with any additional information.