Adrianne Haslet-Davis, a professional dancer who lost part of her leg at the Boston Marathon bombings last year, asked NBC’s Meet the Press not to mention the bombers’ names this week during an interview. But, the suspects were named, apparently during a pre-interview, and Haslet-Davis left the interview.
In tweets, Haslet-Davis slammed Meet the Press.
Cannot believe @meetthepress chose to use the bombers name instead of respect their guest. Had to walk off set crying.
— AdrianneHD (@AdrianneHaslet) April 11, 2014
I feel so disrespected @meetthepress I asked politely yesterday and you said yes. Now you choose to use the name instead
— AdrianneHD (@AdrianneHaslet) April 11, 2014
Let’s change the dialect to honor the survivors and not focus on the criminals. Shame on you @meetthepress
— AdrianneHD (@AdrianneHaslet) April 11, 2014
Haslet-Davis also posted a letter on her website about the incident saying she “specifically” requested NBC News not mention the suspects’ name and that they call her a “survivor, not a victim.” Haslet-Davis wrote:
“Your decision to back out on that promise you made and the horrific way you brought that decision to my attention just minutes prior to taping was not only a cowardice move but a dishonorable one as well. To say that I am hurt is an understatement, for you not only disrespected me, you disrespected the survivors of the bombing and the victims memories by blatantly disregarding this request and putting the value of a terrorist’s name, who put a city in turmoil and caused irrevocable damage physically and emotionally to people of this city, over Boston’s integrity, fortitude, and my personal well being.”
According to Haslet-Davis, NBC News did uphold her request to call her a survivor.
The Associated Press reported that NBC News spokesperson Erika Masonhall said NBC News’ president apologized in a voicemail to Haslet-Davis.
An NBC spokesperson told POLITICO:
“Adrianne Haslet-Davis is an inspiring survivor with an important story to share. She was due to take part in a roundtable discussion for Meet the Press with three other participants. She requested that the alleged bombers’ name not be used in the entire program, but given the nature of the discussion we couldn’t make that guarantee. We regret any distress caused by this miscommunication.”
David Gregory, host of Meet the Press, also tweeted apologies.
I’m so sorry @AdrianneHaslet was upset tdy + had a bad experience w MTP. As I told her, her comfort level is far more imp than any show
— David Gregory (@davidgregory) April 11, 2014
Our segment for air Sun is a celebration of Boston w smaller focus on whether clues were missed that could have stopped the bombers.
— David Gregory (@davidgregory) April 11, 2014
Mediaite cited unnamed “sources at NBC” saying the names of the bombers were mentioned before taping so Haslet-Davis won’t be in Sunday’s show.
iMediaEthics has written to Haslet-Davis and NBC News for comment. We’ll update with any additional information.