Former Washington Post fact-checker Glenn Kessler’s admission that he labeled the COVID lab leak theory as “doubtful” marks a significant moment in media accountability. In a recent interview, Kessler confessed, “I screwed up… I was completely wrong,” expressing what he termed “infinite regret.” His recognition of a glaring error is striking, especially as he retrospectively evaluates the climate of fear and misinformation during the pandemic’s early days.
Kessler’s article, published in 2020, downplayed a theory that would later gain traction as evidence emerged, implicating the Wuhan lab in the origins of COVID-19. At the time, Kessler dismissed the lab leak theory while the media largely took a stance that sidelined dissenting opinions. As President Donald Trump sought to hold China accountable, the media’s response, including Kessler’s article, could have impacted public perception and response.
He acknowledged the gravity of his error, noting, “When you’ve got a title like ‘the fact checker,’ when you make a mistake, people notice.” However, many might contend that simple remorse is insufficient. Kessler’s conclusion that his extensive work as a fact-checker outweighs the one critical error raises questions about accountability in journalism. After all, as he himself admitted, “That’s on me. I screwed up.”
Interestingly, his reflections hint at a broader issue: the media’s reluctance to confront narratives that diverge from mainstream beliefs. Kessler admitted to ignoring a reporter’s advice who had cautioned against framing the lab leak theory as “doubtful.” Despite this, Kessler’s editorial choices contributed to a narrative that reinforced censorship of dissenting views and set the stage for public misunderstanding regarding the virus’s origins.
Even with this retrospective acknowledgment, the absence of any corrective action—such as revising the article or acknowledging its impact—has not gone unnoticed. A year later, a note was added to his original article, highlighting the evolving understanding without fully validating the lab theory. The question of Kessler’s continued employment at a time when others face consequences for similar misjudgments also raises eyebrows; it seems as though the implications of his error did not warrant serious repercussions.
In the end, Kessler’s admission highlights an urgent need for self-reflection among journalists, the repercussions their narratives carry, and the importance of rigorous skepticism in reporting, especially during times of crisis.
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