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Glenn Kessler’s Admission
Former Washington Post fact-checker Glenn Kessler openly acknowledged that he was entirely incorrect in branding the COVID-19 lab leak theory as “doubtful” in 2020.
This admission came during an interview with Ira Stoll, founder of theeditors.com. Stoll highlighted a growing distrust among conservatives towards fact-checkers, using the 2020 Washington Post article titled “Was the new coronavirus accidentally released from a Wuhan lab? It’s doubtful” as a case in point.
Kessler defended the efforts of his Fact Checker video team, yet he accepted personal responsibility for the feedback received concerning the addition of “it’s doubtful” to the headline. He recounted a moment when co-author Sarah Cahlan confronted him after the article’s release.
Backlash and Responsibility
Kessler reflected on the reaction he received from team members following the publication. “One of the reporters on the piece came up to me the next day and said, ‘I think you made a real mistake by putting ‘it’s doubtful’ here. Because I’m uncertain where it stands, and you framed it in a way that made it seem more definitive than what we came up with,’” Kessler shared.
He accepted the critique, stating, “That’s on me. I screwed up. She recently left the Washington Post to go to another place. In my goodbye remarks, I mentioned that this explains why you should always listen to Sarah, because she’s right, and I was completely wrong about this.” This candid admission highlights the complexities surrounding the reporting of contentious issues, especially in a rapidly evolving pandemic environment.
Focus of the Fact-Check
Kessler argued that the primary objective of the fact-check was to scrutinize claims that the coronavirus was a bioweapon rather than assessing whether the virus originated from natural sources or a lab. He acknowledged the significance of the headline, stating, “People only remember the headline.” Stoll reiterated this point, emphasizing that it is often the headline rather than the body of an article that sticks with readers.
Kessler maintained that it was crucial to recognize the limitations of the information available at the time. He noted the various uncertainties surrounding the origins of the virus, emphasizing that definitive conclusions were difficult to draw.
Media’s Response to the Lab Leak Theory
Fox News Digital attempted to reach out to The Washington Post for their comments regarding Kessler’s admissions, but the publication did not respond immediately. The original fact-check purported that scientific evidence at the time “strongly supports” the theory that COVID-19 originated from nature. The analysis also suggested that multiple surprising coincidences would need to occur for a lab leak theory to be plausible. Notably, the statement called attention to China’s lack of willingness to share more information about the theory.
Despite Kessler’s recent statements regarding the nature of the fact-check, his previous comments on social media reflect a strong stance against the lab leak theory. In 2020, Kessler expressed skepticism about the possibility of the virus escaping from a lab, stating, “I fear @tedcruz missed the scientific animation in the video that shows how it is virtually impossible for this virus to jump from the lab. Or the many interviews with actual scientists. We deal in facts, and viewers can judge for themselves.”
The Shift in Perception
In 2021, Kessler authored a new fact-check acknowledging a shift in the credibility of the lab leak theory, particularly as new evidence came to light. Initially, during 2020, several members of the Trump administration promoted the theory. However, Kessler expressed regret over having dismissed their claims at the time. He remarked on the administration’s approach, indicating that vague intelligence was often accompanied by anti-Chinese rhetoric that caused skeptics to overlook issuing serious scrutiny on their claims.
His reflections highlight a critical moment in journalism amid a global health crisis, where the rapid flow of information and political narratives complicated the pursuit of factual reporting.
Understanding the Context
The Washington Post was among the earliest news outlets to reject the lab leak theory, condemning it as a “coronavirus conspiracy theory that was already debunked” as early as February 2020. As a result, Kessler’s candid admission not only illuminates the ongoing challenges faced by media professionals but also sheds light on the importance of accountability within journalistic practices.
As public trust in news organizations continues to fluctuate, Kessler’s story serves as a reminder of the vital role that transparency and adaptability play in effective journalism. By acknowledging past missteps and reevaluating previously-held beliefs, journalists can navigate the turbulent waters of public opinion and contribute to a better-informed society.
