An ABC News reporter was suspended after falsely reporting that all of Kobe Bryant’s daughters were involved in the crash that killed him and Gianna.
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ABC’s chief national correspondent Matt Gutman was suspended after he poorly reported that Bryant’s daughters, Natalia, Bianka, and Capri died in the helicopter crash during a live report. The error was made before it was confirmed that Gianna,13, was on the helicopter when it crashed. Later on, Gutman apologized for the mistake on Twitter:
“Today I inaccurately reported it was believed that four of Kobe Bryant’s children were on board that flight. That is incorrect. I apologize to Kobe’s family, friends and our viewers. And I hold myself accountable for a terrible mistake, which I deeply regret. I want to personally apologize to the Bryant family for this wrenching loss and any additional anguish my report caused.”
His suspension was confirmed by an ABC News spokesperson in a statement condemning the mistake and holding Gutman accountable.
“Reporting the facts accurately is the cornerstone of our journalism. As he acknowledged on Sunday, Matt Gutman’s initial reporting was not accurate and failed to meet our editorial standards.”
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Vanessa Bryant released a statement earlier today in reference to her husband and daughter’s untimely death: