CNN Under Fire for Airing Luther Vandross Documentary Instead of Covering New Orleans Terrorist Attack Aftermath
A recent decision by CNN to air a two-hour documentary on the late singer Luther Vandross rather than providing continuous coverage of the aftermath of a terrorist attack in New Orleans has sparked outrage among viewers.
Wall Street Journal editor-at-large Gerard Baker took to social media to express his disappointment, stating, “Biggest act of terrorism on US soil in almost a decade and @CNN in primetime is airing a 2-hour documentary on Luther Vandross.”
Former CNN copy editor Tom Sileo criticized the network’s decision, calling it “insane” and “disrespectful to the victims & their families.”
Despite acknowledging Vandross’s talent and the importance of honoring him, Sileo emphasized that airing the documentary during a national crisis was inappropriate.
Others, like Austin-based attorney Adam Loewy, also expressed their disbelief at CNN’s choice to air the documentary instead of focusing on the news of the day.
CNN has chosen not to comment on the backlash received for their programming decision.
In November, CNN announced the airing of “Luther: Never Too Much” on New Year’s Day at 8 p.m. Eastern Time. The film had initially premiered at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival.
The terrorist attack in New Orleans, which claimed the lives of at least 15 people and injured 30 others, involved a pickup truck ramming into a crowd of revelers on Bourbon Street.
The FBI is investigating the incident as an act of terrorism, with President Joe Biden confirming that the attacker was inspired by the Islamic State group and expressed a desire to kill.
The driver of the truck has been identified as Shamsud-Din Jabbar, a former US Army veteran.
With Post Wires
