NBC News is being slammed for a photo error related to an article about Olympian Usain Bolt. They mistakenly posted an image of comedian Kevin Hart instead of an accompanying image of Bolt.
Bolt, a world famous sprinter from Jamaica, made news this week when he tested positive for COVID-19, which he confirmed on Twitter. He celebrated his 34th birthday on Friday with a party that likely led to the positive diagnosis.
Readers spotted the mistake immediately. Many took to Twitter to voice their displeasure with the mishap. Journalist Marlon A. Walker of the Atlanta Journal Constitution, and journalist Ernest Owens, were both critical of the error.
Kevin Hart Speaks Out
Many pointed out the difference in stature as an amusing aspect of the blunder. Especially, since there is an over one foot difference in height. Bolt is 6 feet 5 inches tall, while Hart stands at 5 feet 4 inches tall.
Hart, who starred in movies like Get Hard, Ride Along, and Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle, took the error in stride. The comedian poked fun of the situation with his trademark humor while still holding NBC News accountable.
“I must of gotten really fast & tall overnight,” Hart commented on Instagram on Tuesday. “I am also no longer doing comedy due to my Olympic training schedule. P.S this is Disrespectful on so many levels….All you can do is laugh. Maybe the Covid 19 shrunk his legs & torso.”
NBC News Responds
NBC News blamed the posted photo mistake on a “technical error,” and corrected it after the uproar.
“In the content management system, a social image was not selected, and the system reverted to an image of Hart from an unrelated video,” an editor’s note explained.
[H/T New York Post]
