Known as “Napalm Girl”, the photo taken in 1972 shows a Vietnamese girl running naked on a road, her body burning after an air attack. A symbol of the ravages of the Vietnam War, this image (officially titled “The Terror of War”) is now at the center of a controversy over the identity of its true author.
An Icon of Photojournalism Questioned
Long hailed as one of the most striking images of the 20th century, this war scene captured by a photographer in the midst of action is now a source of doubt. In May 2025, World Press Photo (a global reference in photojournalism) suspended the attribution of the photo to Nick Ut, an Associated Press reporter.
Awarded a Pulitzer Prize in 1973, this photograph, which has become a universal symbol of the violence of conflicts, now sees its origin contested, more than fifty years after its release.
Why This Questioning?
It all starts with the documentary “The Stringer”, presented at the Sundance Festival in January 2025. This investigative film explores the behind-the-scenes of that day in June 1972. Through technical analyses and testimonies from the time, it suggests that the famous photo may have been taken by another Vietnamese photographer, notably Nguyễn Thành Nghệ (NBC) or Huỳnh Công Phúc. Faced with these revelations, World Press Photo conducted an independent investigation. At a press conference held in Amsterdam on May 17, 2025, the organization officially suspended the attribution to Nick Ut, considering that the available evidence no longer guaranteed his authorship.
A Photo Still as Powerful… Despite the Uncertainty
Despite this decision, “The Terror of War” remains one of the most powerful visual testimonies in contemporary history. It embodies the suffering of civilians in wartime, regardless of the exact identity of its author. The Pulitzer Prize awarded at the time is not being questioned, but a note will now be associated with the image: “Attribution suspended. Author not confirmed.”
The Position of Associated Press and Kim Phuc
Despite World Press Photo’s decision, Associated Press maintains its official version: Nick Ut is indeed the author of the photograph. Two internal investigations have been conducted, concluding that there is insufficient evidence to change the attribution. As for Phan Thi Kim Phuc, who became a peace ambassador and Canadian citizen, she has not yet responded publicly. In the past, she has always expressed her gratitude to Nick Ut, who had helped her receive medical care after the event.
A Crucial Issue for Authenticity in Photojournalism
Beyond the emotion it provokes, this case raises fundamental questions about documentary integrity in the digital age:
- How can we guarantee the traceability of a historical photograph?
- What tools can certify the authorship of a visual work?
- How can long-term archiving be made reliable in the face of uncertainty or manipulation?
At Certiphy.io, we defend a clear vision: certification of origin and authorship must become a standard, whether for photographs, videos, or digital documents. The Napalm Girl case shows how vulnerable history can be without proof of authenticity.
Conclusion
This controversy reminds us that in the world of information, verifying origin and authorship is as crucial as the message itself. Blockchain, timestamping, and certification technologies are now key tools for strengthening the reliability of visual content — and protecting our collective memory.
