CBS News on Monday apologized for confusing the photos of the late Maryland Rep. Elijah Cummings and Georgia Rep. John Lewis.
The mix-up occurred during an evening broadcast, when the network showed a photo Cummings, who died in October at 68, referring to him as Lewis, who’s being treated for stage 4 pancreatic cancer.
Cummings’ image was placed next to a quote from the civil rights icon about his recently revealed illness.
“While I am clear-eyed about the prognosis… I have a fighting chance,” the quote from Lewis said.
The confusion sparked widespread outrage on social media:
“Can’t believe CBS News is showing a picture of the late U.S. Rep. Elijah Cummings w/ Congressman John Lewis’ name as they talk about Rep. Lewis’ recent announcement. Get it right!” wrote @StephonFerguson.
“I know you all think Negroes like alike @CBSNews@NorahODonnell but this is Rep. Elijah Cummings…,” tweeted @coachjimeljones.
Added @Simoneap: “Please do better!! You should know this!!”
In response to the backlash, CBS Evening News issued the following statement:
“Tonight, on the 6:30 p.m. ET broadcast of the CBS Evening News, one photograph was misidentified as Congressman John Lewis. We have replaced the photo in all broadcasts and platforms. We deeply regret the error.”