Nick Ut Files Defamation Lawsuit Against Netflix Over "The Stringer"

Nick Ut, the renowned photojournalist known for his Pulitzer Prize-winning photograph "The Terror of War," has initiated a criminal defamation lawsuit in France against Netflix and the creators of the documentary "The Stringer." This legal action follows claims made in the film that another individual, Nguyen Thanh Nghe, was the true photographer of the iconic image of a naked girl fleeing a napalm attack during the Vietnam War. Ut asserts that these allegations have severely damaged his reputation and caused him personal shame.

New York Times

The controversy surrounding the photograph's authorship gained traction following the premiere of "The Stringer" at the Sundance Film Festival in January 2025. The documentary, directed by Bao Nguyen, is based on a two-year investigation led by journalist Gary Knight, who is also a co-founder of the VII Foundation, an organization dedicated to supporting photojournalism. Knight's investigation was prompted by statements from a former Associated Press photo editor, who claimed that Ut had been misattributed as the photographer in 1972.

New York Times

In his lawsuit, Ut is seeking 100,000 euros (approximately $116,000) in damages, along with an additional 20,000 euros (around $23,000) to cover legal costs. He has expressed that the accusations made in the documentary "strike at the very core of who I am," highlighting the personal impact of the claims on his identity and legacy as a photojournalist.

New York Times

Critics of "The Stringer" have raised concerns about the implications of questioning the authenticity of Ut's work. The film's assertion that a different photographer captured the image has sparked a broader debate about the ethics of photojournalism and the importance of accurately crediting sources. Knight, in the documentary, acknowledges the complexities involved in photographic attribution, stating, "When you’re photographing with film, there’s always some mystery."

New York Times

In response to the lawsuit, Netflix has not publicly commented on the legal proceedings. However, the filmmakers have defended their work, asserting that the documentary aims to explore the nuances of photojournalism and the historical context surrounding the photograph.

New York Times

While Ut maintains that he is the sole photographer of "The Terror of War," the claims made in "The Stringer" have not been universally accepted. The debate over the photograph's origin continues, with varying opinions on the validity of the documentary's assertions. The lack of definitive evidence regarding the photograph's attribution leaves room for ongoing discussion and investigation.

New York Times

“These accusations strike at the very core of who I am,” — Nick Ut, Photojournalist

New York Times

“When you’re photographing with film, there’s always some mystery,” — Gary Knight, Journalist and Co-founder of VII Foundation

New York Times

This lawsuit marks a significant moment in the ongoing discourse about the ethics of photojournalism and the importance of accurate representation in historical narratives.

New York Times