CBS News apologized on Twitter for confusing deceased Congressman Cummings for Congressman Lewis while reporting that he is suffering from stage 4 pancreatic cancer.
During their evening news show, the network showed a photo of late Maryland Rep. Elijah Cummings, who died in October at 68, when referring to Georgia Democrat John Lewis.
They got hammered on Twitter:
Eric McDaniel suggested CBS must think all African Americans look alike:
Is guess all African Americans still look alike… while reporting on Rep. John Lewis, CBS Evening news displayed a picture of the late Rep. Elijah Cummings while showing a statement from John Lewis.
Is guess all African Americans still look alike… while reporting on Rep. John Lewis, CBS Evening news displayed a picture of the late Rep. Elijah Cummings while showing a statement from John Lewis.
— Eric McDaniel (@tuf314) December 30, 2019
Stephon Ferguson wrote: “Can’t believe CBS News is showing a picture of the late U.S. Rep. Elijah Cummings w/ Congressman John Lewis’ name as they talk about Rep. Lewis’ recent announcement. Get it right!”
Can’t believe CBS News is showing a picture of the late U.S. Rep. Elijah Cummings w/ Congressman John Lewis’ name as they talk about Rep. Lewis’ recent announcement. Get it right! @CBSNews pic.twitter.com/au1d9tO90I
— Stephon Ferguson (@StephonFerguson) December 31, 2019
The image of the longtime lawmaker was placed next to a quote from the civil rights icon about his recently revealed battle with stage four pancreatic cancer. –NYPost
The quote, “While I am clear-eyed about the prognosis… I have a fighting chance,” from Rep. John Lewis appeared next to the deceased lawmaker, Elijah Cummings’ photo.
Tonight on the 6:30 p.m. ET broadcast of the CBS Evening News, one photograph was misidentified as Congressman John Lewis. We have replaced the photo in all broadcasts and platforms. We deeply regret the error.
— CBS Evening News (@CBSEveningNews) December 31, 2019
It couldn’t have happened to a more deserving network.