Some photographs have become iconic symbols, and Napalm Girl is one of them.
I doubt there is anyone in the world who doesn’t associate this picture with the horrors of the Vietnam War.
Recently, a documentary was released claiming that this iconic photograph was not taken by Nick Ut—who won a Pulitzer Prize for it—but rather by Nguyen Thanh Nghe, a local stringer who was paid $20 and left uncredited. You can read more about the debate
here.
This picture was taken 53 years ago. So why is this debate emerging now? Why wasn’t it raised long ago, when more evidence and firsthand testimonies might have been available to clarify the truth?
While I understand that it’s never too late for justice, this particular case presents a unique challenge. The authenticity of the photograph cannot be definitively proven at this point, and many of the key figures involved are either no longer alive or are nearing the end of their lives. This makes verifying claims even more difficult and increases the risk of rewriting history based on incomplete or conflicting accounts.
Furthermore, reopening this debate now could have broader implications. It may not only cast doubt on a photograph that has become an enduring symbol of war’s brutality but also risk overshadowing the powerful message it has conveyed for decades. The Napalm Girl image has played a crucial role in shaping public perception of the Vietnam War, influencing anti-war movements and highlighting the suffering of innocent civilians. If the controversy remains unresolved, it could diminish the impact of the photo itself, shifting the focus from its historical significance to an endless debate over authorship.
Of course, if there is concrete evidence to support these claims, it should be examined. But if the discussion is based purely on speculation or unverifiable accounts, one has to question whether opening this Pandora’s box serves justice—or simply fuels controversy without resolution.
