The station issues a statement after people lashed out on social media, saying, 'Our intention was not to be insensitive to his family, friends and fans, and for that we apologize.'
- Aug 13, 2014
AceShowbiz - ABC News has apologized after receiving backlash for live streaming video from Robin Williams' house shortly after news of the beloved actor's passing broke out on Monday, August 11. Many people took to social media to protest the station's insensitive decision despite the fact that the family had asked for privacy during the difficult time.
"When we realized there was no news value to the live stream, we took it down immediately," read a statement from ABC News which was released on Tuesday. "Our intention was not to be insensitive to his family, friends and fans, and for that we apologize."
Previously, many people lashed out on social media after the news site displayed a banner which read, "Watch Live: Aerials of Robin Williams' Home." A screencap of the page made rounds alongside comments which read, "This is f**king terrible. Leave them alone," and, "Just a little respect please," among others.
In other news, Fox News anchor Shepard Smith and actor Todd Bridges also issued apology for making insensitive comments in the wake of the actor's death. Smith, who previously used the word "coward" during the coverage of Williams' shocking death, said in a statement, "I have no way of knowing the depths of Mr. Williams' suffering but I never meant to suggest that he acted in any such manner. He was a one-of-a-kind American treasure and I regret using any word during the hour-long special, reflecting on his extraordinary career, that would appear I disparaged him in any way."
Bridges, meanwhile, was heavily criticized after calling Williams' suicide "a very selfish act" on Twitter. "I would like to apologize for the terrible timing of me comments that I made in reference to the untimely death of Robin Williams," he said.
"My best friend committed suicide a few months ago, and I was devastated to discover that he did not solicit my help. I am sure that my attitude toward Williams's death was a delayed reaction of my best friend's death," he continued. "Again, I apologize for my negative comment, and I ask forgiveness for any pain that I have caused anyone."
Bridges previously wrote, "It is a very selfish act you're not thinking about your family your friends or your fans. Much better way get help or if you know someone like that get them help even if it means getting them locked up in a psychiatric hospital."
"Rest in peace Robin Williams I hope you found what you were looking for," he added. "You don't think that my life has been hell and I've had so many ups and downs now. If I did that what am i showing my children that when it gets tough that's the way out No you gotta buckle down ask God to help you. That's when prayer really comes into effect." The posts are no longer available.
Doing the rounds on FB. pic.twitter.com/Ww9rQ96Wk2
— Tom Gara (@tomgara) August 12, 2014
