CNN created a case of mistaken identity with its upcoming docuseries “The Radical Story of Patty Hearst,” based on the Jeffrey Toobin book.
The news network has been promoting the series by using an image of Hearst that’s not her at all. Hearst posted the image online wondering, “Who is this poor woman (not me) that CNN is using in their promos for Jeffrey Toobin’s upcoming ‘original series.’ ”
A family rep added to Page Six: “The picture isn’t Patricia. And that’s pretty indicative of the accuracy of this project in general. It’s riddled with falsehoods and inaccuracies.”
Hearst is also slamming the series for featuring her kidnapper Bill Harris, who infamously abducted her in 1974.
Hearst’s spokesman released a statement from her to us on Thursday: “This is a work of fiction based on the kidnappers’ account, and it romanticizes rape.” (After the ordeal, she reportedly said she was raped and threatened with death.)
When reached for comment, CNN said the photo mix-up was due to an error in the archives of photo agency Getty, which tweeted out on Thursday, “We sincerely apologize for an archival image that we incorrectly labeled as @PatriciaHearst and was licensed by clients including @CNN. The image has been removed from our site. We deeply regret any confusion and meant no disrespect to Ms. Hearst.”
Fox 2000 said Thursday it was dropping a planned film based on Toobin’s book after Hearst’s objections.