Christopher Wallace, Executive Producer of Fox News @ Night, has apologised to the Philadelphia Eagles.
The Eagles are currently embroiled in a dispute with President Donald Trump, after so many of their players refused to accept an invitation to the White House that the Trump was forced to cancel the event.
In their coverage of the dispute, Fox News @ Night with Shannon Bream used misleading footage of Philadelphia Eagles players kneeling to pray in order to suggest that the players were kneeling in protest of the American national anthem — as many other NFL players do.
The issue was quickly raised by Eagle Zach Erts, who wrote on his Twitter: “This can’t be serious…. Praying before games with my teammates, well before the anthem, is being used for your propaganda?! Just sad, I feel like you guys should have to be better than this.”
This can’t be serious…. Praying before games with my teammates, well before the anthem, is being used for your propaganda?! Just sad, I feel like you guys should have to be better than this… https://t.co/kYeyH2zXdK
— Zach Ertz (@ZERTZ_86) June 5, 2018
The ensuing backlash has forced Fox News into an apology, and on Tuesday afternoon Wallace issued an apology. “During our report about President Trump canceling the Philadelphia Eagles trip to the White House to celebrate their Super Bowl win,” he wrote, “we showed unrelated footage of players kneeling in prayer.”
“To clarify, no members of the team knelt in protest during the national anthem throughout regular or post-season last year. We apologise for the error.”
INBOX:
Christopher Wallace, Executive Producer of FOX News @ Night with Shannon Bream, apologizes for segment suggesting Philadelphia Eagle's players kneeling in prayer were national anthem protesters pic.twitter.com/DB2NFHnERB
— Jon Levine (@LevineJonathan) June 5, 2018
Trump had already given his two cents on the issue, writing: “The Philadelphia Eagles Football Team was invited to the White House. Unfortunately, only a small number of players decided to come, and we canceled the event.”
“Staying in the Locker Room for the playing of our National Anthem is as disrespectful to our country as kneeling. Sorry!”
The Philadelphia Eagles Football Team was invited to the White House. Unfortunately, only a small number of players decided to come, and we canceled the event. Staying in the Locker Room for the playing of our National Anthem is as disrespectful to our country as kneeling. Sorry!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 5, 2018
