The White House has clarified that President Joe Biden misspoke when he suggested that cannibals feasted on his uncle after a plane crash during World War II.
President Biden recounted the story of his uncle, 2nd Lt. Ambrose Finnegan, who was serving in the U.S. Army Air Forces when his plane crashed in Papua New Guinea (PNG). He mentioned the incident at a campaign stop in Pittsburgh, stating that his uncle’s plane went down in an area known for cannibals.
According to the official report from the federal Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency, 2nd Lt. Finnegan was a passenger on a bomber and reconnaissance aircraft that crashed in the ocean off the north coast of New Guinea after both engines failed at low altitude. Only one crew member survived, while three others, including 2nd Lt. Finnegan, were lost in the crash.
President Biden’s story has drawn criticism from PNG scholars and officials who stated that cannibalism in the region was not as portrayed. They emphasized that cannibalism was primarily a religious ceremony and not a practice of consuming fallen individuals.
The White House press secretary and deputy press secretary suggested that President Biden misspoke and reiterated the importance of honoring American veterans. They referred to a controversial report from The Atlantic about former President Donald Trump’s alleged comments about fallen soldiers.
Despite the clarification, some scholars and officials in PNG expressed disappointment in President Biden’s remarks, stating that it painted the country in a negative light and perpetuated misconceptions about the region.
Overall, the incident has sparked a debate about historical accuracy and the portrayal of cultural practices in international discourse.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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