Current:Home > NewsWWE apologizes for using image of Auschwitz concentration camp in a promo video-LoTradeCoin
WWE apologizes for using image of Auschwitz concentration camp in a promo video
View Date:2024-12-23 16:47:31
The wrestling entertainment giant WWE has apologized for its use of an image of the Auschwitz concentration camp to promote a match.
The image appeared in a five-minute video introducing a WrestleMania 39 contest between stars Dominik and Rey Mysterio. The shot, which appeared in the pre-show last weekend ahead of the live broadcast this past Saturday, was used as b-roll accompanying Dominik's comments about being a hardened criminal.
WWE drew backlash after fans recognized the image as a photo of the concentration camp located in Oświęcim, Poland.
"We had no knowledge of what was depicted. As soon as we learned, it was removed immediately. We apologize for this error," the WWE said in a statement to NPR on Sunday.
The Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp was built by Germans in occupied Poland in 1940 and quickly became one of World War II's largest extermination centers. More than 1.1 million men, women and children were murdered at Auschwitz before the camp was liberated in 1945.
Two days before the apology was issued, the Auschwitz Memorial called the WWE "shameless" in a statement on Twitter.
"The fact that [an] Auschwitz image was used to promote a WWE match is hard to call 'an editing mistake,' " the museum wrote. "Exploiting the site that became a symbol of enormous human tragedy is shameless and insults the memory of all victims of Auschwitz."
The shot of the Polish museum appeared to have been removed from an otherwise identical version during the official broadcast, according to WWE blogs and fans. It does not appear in replays of WrestleMania Night 1, replaced by generic footage of barbed wire and an empty, unidentifiable jail cell.
The WWE storyline goes that Dominik turned against his father, the WWE Hall-of-Famer Rey, after being influenced by Judgement Day, a villainous stable of wrestlers.
After a failed attempt to entice his father to a fight, Dominik landed in jail, which only added to the tough-guy persona he uses to mask his true spoiled-brat essence. (Dominik arrived at the mat on Saturday in a cop van. His father was chauffeured by Snoop Dogg in a lowrider.)
The storyline was one of several hits for WrestleMania fans. The show delivered its exclusive streamer, NBC's Peacock, most hours watched of any live event except the Super Bowl.
The in-person event also made history, setting an attendance record at SoFi Stadium. WWE sold over 161,000 tickets for two nights of matches.
Fans took to social media during the broadcast to confirm their suspicions about the Auschwitz stock footage.
"100% Auschwitz. Went there last year. Can never forget it," one Reddit user wrote. "Hoo boy, to be a fly on the wall in the next production meeting," came another reply.
veryGood! (795)
Related
- Steelers' Mike Tomlin shuts down Jayden Daniels Lamar comparison: 'That's Mr. Jackson'
- Michael Douglas Reveals Catherine Zeta-Jones Makes Him Whip It Out in TMI Confession
- England vs. Netherlands highlights: Ollie Watkins goal at the death sets up Euro 2024 final
- Here’s what seems to work in Miami to keep deaths down as temperatures soar
- All Social Security retirees should do this by Nov. 20
- AI-generated jokes funnier than those created by humans, University of Southern California study finds
- Biden says pressure on him is driven by elites. Voters paint a more complicated picture
- Subway adds new sandwiches including the Spicy Nacho Chicken: See latest menu additions
- These Yellowstone Gift Guide Picks Will Make You Feel Like You’re on the Dutton Ranch
- Hakeem Jeffries to bring Democrats' concerns to Biden about his campaign
Ranking
- 25 monkeys caught but more still missing after escape from research facility in SC
- Utah Supreme Court sides with opponents of redistricting that carved up Democratic-leaning area
- Golf course employee dies after being stung by swarm of bees in Arizona
- Bed rotting every night? You're actually in a 'functional freeze.'
- Gerry Faust, former Notre Dame football coach, dies at 89
- Man sentenced to 4-plus years in death of original ‘Mickey Mouse Club’ cast member
- Abigail Breslin Says She’s Received Death Threats After Appearing to Criticize Katy Perry
- Pete Davidson and Madelyn Cline Break Up After Less Than a Year of Dating
Recommendation
-
Early Black Friday Deals: 70% Off Apple, Dyson, Tarte, Barefoot Dreams, Le Creuset & More + Free Shipping
-
Prosecutors seek restitution for families of 34 people killed in 2019 scuba boat fire in California
-
United Airlines jet makes unscheduled landing in Florida after a passenger fights with a crew member
-
West Virginia police chief responsible for hiring of officer who killed Tamir Rice steps down
-
Auburn surges, while Kansas remains No. 1 in the USA TODAY Sports men's basketball poll
-
Milwaukee hotel employees fired after death of Black man who was pinned to ground
-
Bonds have been sinking. Do they still have a place in your retirement account?
-
U.S. men's soccer coach Gregg Berhalter fired after poor showing in Copa America