Social media critics are calling out the outlet for falsely using Cardi B's husband's photo while reporting the 28-year-old Atlanta rapper's tragic passing in Texas.
- Nov 2, 2022
AceShowbiz - Migos fans may wonder whether it is too hard to distinguish Offset and Takeoff. Fans are calling out E! News after the outlet falsely used Offset's photo while reporting Takeoff's tragic passing.
On Tuesday, November 1, the publication tweeted, "Migos Rapper Takeoff Dead at 28: Police Give Update on Investigation," along with a link to the news. Interestingly, the site used Cardi B's husband's photo.
A few moments later, the outlet quietly changed the picture, replacing it with the 28-year-old Migos member's. However, fans noticed and took a screenshot of the mishap before the outlet made any changes.
"SOOOOO…are y'all not going to AT LEAST apologize for this tweet???" one person slammed the outlet in the replies. Another echoed, "@enews so y'all not gonna even say nothing about the previous post y'all made with the wrong person pictured !?"
Others, in the meantime, accused the outlet of being racist. "Black people all dont look alike. It wasn't difficult to research the correct member of the Migos. Please review who you have on staff. Y'all are failing as a news outlet or lack thereof," one Twitter user noted. A separate person chimed in, "FYI - Hire BLACK PEOPLE to report our news in the future! Pls & thanks."
"The previous post was insensitive and borderline racist. Maybe hire someone black in your social media dept," a different critic suggested. A separate user criticized, "ENews: 'Julie Powell has passed away' .... Also ENews: 'Takeoff Dead' and this is after you posted the wrong black man's photo.... SMH. Disgusting & horrible journalism."
Another branded the site "Jewish media," as writing, "Y'all acting suprised [sic] they mixed up two black men. [laughing with tears emojis] Of course they did, typical racist Jewish media." A different social media user added, "Disrespectful and distasteful y'all shared a pic of offset at first and u need to apologize Smfh."
While E! News hasn't responded to the backlash, its Twitter account continues to post more headlines.
The news of Takeoff's tragic passing has left the hip-hop community in shock. During a press conference on Tuesday afternoon, Houston Police Chief Troy Finner confirmed Takeoff was the deceased victim of a triple-shooting that took place following a private party outside 810 Billiards & Bowling Houston.
According to authorities, around 40 people were standing outside the venue when an altercation resulted in shots being fired by one or more suspects. According to Migos' label Quality Control Music, Takeoff was struck by a "stray bullet." The Atlanta-born rapper was pronounced dead on the scene by arriving paramedics. Police are currently seeking help from the public to identify the suspect(s).
