Breitbart.com apologizes for use of Podolski photo
The right-wing nationalist internet portal Breitbart.com has apologized for using a photo of footballer Lukas Podolski as a symbolic image for a refugee from North Africa.
"The photo was intended as a symbolic image of a person on a jet ski," explained the British branch of the website of Stephen Bannon, former advisor to US President Donald Trump. They want to apologize to the 32-year-old for this. "There is no evidence that Mr. Podolski is a member of a smuggling gang or a victim of human trafficking," can now be read in an "Editor's note" on the Breitbart site.
The photo showed a cheerful Lukas Podolski wearing sunglasses and with his fingers spread out in a victory sign as a passenger on a jet ski - the picture was taken during the 2014 World Cup in Brazil. The portal used the photo for an article stating that the Spanish police had put a stop to a group of smugglers who were allegedly bringing people to Spain on jet skis.
The picture was replaced on Sunday after many reader comments and media reports drew attention to the mistake. The 32-year-old professional footballer does not want to put up with the use of his photo. As his advisor confirmed to the news agency DPA, Podolski has instructed a lawyer to deal with the matter. (SDA)
