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The Washington Post's headline of an obituary for ISIS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi calling him an "austere religious scholar" has sparked outrage on social media. #WaPoOnDeathNotices has started trending on social media with people trolling the newspaper with their interpretations of how it would write obituary headlines of other known personalities including pop-culture characters. The headline of the article was changed thrice but people were far from impressed with the choice of words. Many people expressed their displeasure and others started mocking with funny tweets on #WaPoOnDeathNotices. Ismael Al-Ethawi, Abu Bakr Al-Baghdadi's Former Top Aide, Was Key to the ISIS Chief's Killing: Iraqi Intelligence Officer.
After the confirmation of his death in a US military operation in Syria, the newspaper wrote a detailed obituary piece by first calling him the "Islamic State's terrorist chief" and then changing it to "austere religious scholar at the helm of Islamic state." They changed the headline once again following the backlash and referring him as an "extremist leader." The damage, however, has been done. Many even questioned if there was a need for having an obituary on him altogether. Abu Bakr Al-Baghdadi 'Died Like a Dog': Donald Trump Confirms Demise of ISIS Chief in 'Daring Night Time Raid' by US Forces.
Here's The Headlines Changed by Washington Post:
They had it right the first time.
The Washington Post changed the headline on its Al-Baghdadi obituary from “Islamic State’s terrorist-in-Chief” to “austere religious scholar at helm of Islamic State.” pic.twitter.com/cs243EVz7W
— Yashar Ali 🐘 (@yashar) October 27, 2019
The Third Headline Change:
The Washington Post has now changed its description of ISIS founder Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi from “Terrorist in Chief” to “Austere Religious Scholar” to “Extremist Leader” pic.twitter.com/h899LvZVLX
— Jerry Dunleavy (@JerryDunleavy) October 27, 2019
Check Some Tweets on Washington Post's Facing Backlash:
Adolf Hitler's Obit Headline Would Be...
Adolf Hitler, dedicated art enthusiast, animal rights activist, and talented orator, dies at 56.#WaPoDeathNotices
— Lauren Chen (@TheLaurenChen) October 28, 2019
On Voldemort...
Voldemort, relic collector and noted snake charmer, dead at 71. #WaPoDeathNotices pic.twitter.com/nt85iI2kP5
— Adam McAnally (@AdamMcAnallyAZ) October 27, 2019
Voldemort, austere wizard who overcame a severe facial deformity to achieve dark lordship, dead at 71 #WaPoDeathNotices
— Ben Shapiro (@benshapiro) October 27, 2019
Gabbar Singh
Famous, highly-prized, rebel, Gabbar Singh, passes away quietly in jail, mourned by his associates who ate his salt and bullets. He was known for his love of unusual dance forms, and for promoting a hands-free existence. #WaPoDeathNotices
— Ramesh Srivats (@rameshsrivats) October 28, 2019
On Adolf Hitler...
Noted author and amateur painter, 56, found dead in his basement. #WaPoDeathNotices pic.twitter.com/gdJBPYKSeI
— Andrew John (@andyjaymold) October 28, 2019
Adolf Hitler, dedicated art enthusiast, animal rights activist, and talented orator, dies at 56.#WaPoDeathNotices
— Lauren Chen (@TheLaurenChen) October 28, 2019
On Saddam Hussein
Saddam Hussein, successful politician, oil baron and noted tough boss, dead at 69. #WaPoDeathNotices
— Sen. Denise Batters (@denisebatters) October 27, 2019
On Thanos
Thanos, noted rare gem collector and humanitarian, murdered during home invasion. #WaPoDeathNotices pic.twitter.com/V1DDPdIeqe
— The Hunter (@mark65mc) October 27, 2019
On Mogambo!
The Elon Musk of India, India’s Missile Man, Mogambo, passes away aged 54. His life was dominated by his 2 passions: giving people unusual baths, and lighting firecrackers in unusual places.
Tragically killed by a vagrant who pushed the wrong button.#WaPoDeathNotices
— Mahesh Shankar (@MaheshShankarS) October 28, 2019
On Osama Bin Laden
Osama bin Laden, father of 23, killed in home invasion #WaPoDeathNotices
— Joe DeVito (@JoeDeVitoComedy) October 27, 2019
From pop-culture characters to real-life people, social media users mocked the Washington Post with their creative headlines with all sarcasm. After receiving immense backlash, the Vice President (Communications) and General Manager of Washington Post also tweeted that "the headline should have never read that way and they quickly changed it." But in the age of the internet, such damage gets noticed even if there are quick repairs.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 28, 2019 01:08 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
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