The Enduring Legacy and New Controversy of the Iconic ‘Napalm Girl’ Photo

napalm girl
Vietnam War
photojournalism
Nick Ut
photography controversy

A historic photo often referred to as 'napalm girl', showing children fleeing a napalm attack during the Vietnam War.

The Power of a Photograph: The Story Behind 'Napalm Girl'

The image known as the napalm girl has become one of the most recognizable and powerful photographs in modern history. Captured during the Vietnam War, it features a young girl, Phan Thi Kim Phuc, running naked on a road after a napalm bombing. The raw emotion on her face and the devastation behind her made the photo a symbol of wartime tragedy and sparked global anti-war sentiments.

For decades, the photo's impact has transcended journalism, turning into a universal plea for peace. It holds a place among the most impactful images ever published, winning the Pulitzer Prize for Spot News Photography in 1973. The photograph influenced public perception of the war and demonstrated the ability of photojournalism to change hearts and minds.

Recent Controversy: Who Really Took the Iconic Shot?

While the photo is widely credited to Vietnamese American photographer Nick Ut, new questions have recently emerged regarding its authorship. In 2025, the World Press Photo organization suspended its attribution to Ut following revelations presented in a documentary called The Stringer. Evidence suggests that another photographer, Nguyen Thanh Nghe, may have taken the photograph instead. The organization cited “substantial and credible reasons” to doubt the existing credit, based on analyses of camera types, vantage points, and eyewitness accounts.

The debate has sparked renewed interest in the origins and integrity of the napalm girl image. As reported by CNN, both World Press Photo and the Associated Press (AP) undertook thorough investigations. While the AP ultimately found “no definitive evidence” to warrant changing the credit, World Press Photo chose to suspend Ut’s authorship for now. This means the true photographer behind the lens may never be fully confirmed.

How Did the Controversy Begin?

The authorship question gained traction following the release of The Stringer at the Sundance Film Festival. Testimony from witnesses and forensic analysis argued that Nguyen Thanh Nghe, a local stringer photographer, may have been better positioned to capture the famous moment. According to The Guardian, internal investigations by photo agencies reviewed surviving negatives, interviews, and even 3D reconstructions of the scene. Despite this, conclusive proof remains elusive.

Nick Ut has consistently denied the allegations, stating his version of the events has remained unchanged for decades. The controversy has affected both photographers, as well as Kim Phuc herself, who has publicly supported Ut’s authorship of the image. Still, as the Artnet News report explains, the chaos of war and time’s passage have muddled the facts, leaving the story behind the napalm girl photograph in question.

Lasting Impact: Beyond the Authorship Debate

Regardless of the recent authorship debates, there’s no controversy about the photograph’s influence. The napalm girl image not only opened the world’s eyes to the horrors of war but also changed the lives of those involved. Kim Phuc survived her grave injuries, later becoming a peace activist and public speaker. The photograph has inspired exhibitions, awards, and countless discussions about ethics, truth, and responsibility in photojournalism.

As controversies over the image’s origin continue, its message remains relevant. The napalm girl photo is a reminder of the importance of truth and humanity in storytelling, especially during moments of great turmoil. If you wish to learn more about the debate, see further analysis in CNN’s detailed coverage and The Guardian’s insights.

Conclusion

Five decades on, the napalm girl photograph continues to move audiences around the world. While the author may be uncertain, the picture’s legacy as a catalyst for empathy and change remains intact. This timeless image reminds us of the enduring power—and responsibility—of photojournalism.

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