Seymour Hersh: The Journalist Behind the Cover-Up Exposé

The documentary "Cover-Up," directed by Laura Poitras and Mark Obenhaus, focuses on investigative journalist Seymour Hersh and his groundbreaking work revealing the My Lai Massacre, where U.S. Army forces intentionally killed a large number of Vietnamese civilians during the Vietnam War. Initially, the U.S. Army claimed that enemy forces had been defeated on the battlefield, but Hersh's investigation uncovered the truth, leading to significant public outcry and a reevaluation of military conduct.

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The My Lai Massacre occurred on March 16, 1968, when U.S. soldiers killed between 347 and 504 unarmed South Vietnamese civilians, including women and children. The event was largely kept secret by the military until Hersh's reporting in 1970 brought it to light, highlighting issues of accountability and the moral implications of U.S. military actions during the Vietnam War.

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Seymour Hersh, now 88 years old, is a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist known for his investigative reporting. His work has often focused on exposing government misconduct and war crimes. In "Cover-Up," Hersh reflects on his life, including his upbringing as the son of a Jewish refugee from Lithuania and the challenges he faced in his career, including controversies surrounding his reporting.

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In the documentary, Hersh discusses the backlash he faced after publishing "The Dark Side of Camelot," which critiqued President John F. Kennedy. This work included references to fabricated letters linking Kennedy to Marilyn Monroe, which were later removed from the final publication. Hersh's willingness to confront his past controversies demonstrates his commitment to transparency in journalism.

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Despite his accolades, Hersh's career has not been without criticism. His reporting has faced scrutiny, particularly regarding the accuracy of some claims. The documentary addresses these controversies, including the impact of his earlier work on his reputation and the challenges of maintaining credibility in investigative journalism.

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• “But the next year, the investigative journalist Seymour Hersh revealed the truth: The killings had been intentional, and the facts had been suppressed.” — Seymour Hersh

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• “At one point, when Hersh worries that the documentary’s directors “know too much,” he gets testy and (temporarily) quits.” — Seymour Hersh

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"Cover-Up" has been nominated for the best documentary at the EE BAFTA Film Awards, indicating its significance in contemporary discussions about journalism and accountability. The film not only revisits the My Lai Massacre but also serves as a reminder of the ongoing need for investigative journalism in holding power to account.

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Through this documentary, Hersh's legacy as a journalist who challenged the status quo continues to resonate, prompting audiences to reflect on the importance of truth in reporting.

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