Deadspin revises story after accusing young Chiefs fan of ‘blackface
Deadspin Faces Backlash for Accusing Young Chiefs Fan of “Blackface” at Game
Deadspin, a popular sports outlet, recently came under fire for an article that accused a young Kansas City Chiefs fan of wearing “blackface” at a game against the Las Vegas Raiders. However, after facing legal threats, the publication updated the story and made significant changes.
The original headline, “The NFL needs to speak out against the Kansas City Chiefs fan in Black face, Native headdress,” featured a photo of the young fan, Holden Armenta, wearing a traditional headdress and with only one side of his face painted black. The new headline, ”The NFL Must Ban Native Headdress And Culturally Insensitive Face Paint in the Stands,” now includes an image of NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell.
The updated version of the article also removed the reporter’s claim that the fan “found a way to hate Black people and the Native Americans at the same time.”
.@Deadspin finally changed their story about the child Chiefs fan in ‘blackface’ amid legal threats from the family.
The editor replaced the deceptive cover photo showing only one side of the kid’s face — the side painted black — with a photo of NFL commissioner Roger Goodell.… pic.twitter.com/b4muu0XRTP
— OutKick (@Outkick) December 8, 2023
An editor’s note was added at the top of the article, acknowledging that the original piece drew attention to the fan instead of focusing on the NFL’s history on race. The note clarified that the intention was to highlight the NFL’s failure to extend rules against headdresses and face painting that appropriates Native American cultures to the entire league.
Holden’s parents, Shannon and Raul ‘Bubba,’ took legal action and demanded a retraction of the story. They also threatened further action against the author, Deadspin, G/O Media, and Great Hill Partners.
In a letter obtained by News Nation, the Armentas insisted on immediate retractions and public apologies with the same prominence as the original defamatory content.
Holden comes from an American Indian family, and his grandfather serves on the board of the Chumash tribe in Santa Ynez, California.
Related: Parents Threaten Lawsuit After Deadspin Accuses 9-Year-Old Of ‘Blackface’
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What does the removal of the reporter’s claim of hate towards Black people and Native Americans signify in terms of responsible journalism
Faces major backlash for accusing young Chiefs fan of “blackface” at game. After facing legal threats, the publication updated the article and made significant changes. The original headline and photo depicted the young fan wearing a traditional headdress with one side of his face painted black. The new headline now focuses on banning culturally insensitive face paint and headdresses in the stands. The article also removed the reporter’s claim of hate towards Black people and Native Americans. The incident raises important questions about cultural sensitivity and responsible journalism.
The controversy surrounding Deadspin’s initial article stems from the accusation of “blackface” against Holden Armenta, a young Kansas City Chiefs fan. The term “blackface” carries a deep historical context and is associated with a demeaning portrayal of African Americans. Thus, its usage in this instance garnered significant attention and criticism.
However, it is important to note that the revised article and its new headline shift the focus towards banning culturally insensitive face paint and headdresses in the stands. This modification acknowledges the larger issue of cultural appropriation and offensive behavior, rather than honing in solely on the accusation of “blackface.” While the photo initially shared alongside the article may have caused confusion and fueled outrage, the updated image featuring NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell aligns the article’s message with larger concerns within the NFL community.
Furthermore, the removal of the reporter’s claim that the fan “found a way to hate Black people and the Native Americans at the same time” demonstrates a recognition of the need for responsible and accurate reporting. Making such inflammatory statements without sufficient evidence can perpetuate harmful stereotypes and further divide communities. Deadspin’s decision to remove this claim is a step toward more ethical journalism.
This incident raises important questions about cultural sensitivity and the role of media outlets. Accusations of “blackface” evoke strong emotions due to its historical significance and offensive nature. However, it is equally crucial to examine the broader issue of cultural appropriation and offensive behavior within the context of sports fandom. The article’s focus on banning culturally insensitive face paint and headdresses highlights the need for greater awareness and education surrounding these issues.
Furthermore, the backlash faced by Deadspin serves as a reminder of the power and responsibility media outlets hold in shaping public opinion. Journalists and publications must exercise caution and diligently verify information before making bold claims that could potentially harm individuals and communities. The revised version of the article acknowledges this responsibility and seeks to rectify the initial misrepresentation.
In conclusion, Deadspin faced significant backlash for accusing a young Chiefs fan of “blackface” in their original article. However, through updates and changes, the publication shifted the focus towards addressing culturally insensitive face paint and headdresses in the stands. The removal of inflammatory statements also demonstrates a recognition of responsible journalism. This incident highlights the importance of cultural sensitivity and responsible reporting in the media industry.
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