WaPo columnist Taylor Lorenz alters her story on Joe Biden 'war criminal' post after editing claims

WASHINGTON, DC: Washington Post columnist Taylor Lorenz backpedaled on her narrative after previously asserting that her post labeling President Joe Biden a "war criminal" was edited.

On Thursday, August 15, Lorenz went viral on social media after a screenshot of an Instagram post showing her taking a selfie at a White House event with Biden in the background was posted by New York Post reporter Jon Levine on X (formerly Twitter). The caption on the post read "war criminal," accompanied by a frowny face.

Taylor Lorenz makes U-turn on claims about photo labeling Joe Biden 'war criminal'

Taylor Lorenz initially came up with the claim that the photo was edited. Responding to Levine on X, she wrote, "You people will fall for any dumb*** edit someone makes."

After the photo exploded on the social media platform, the Washington Post columnist acknowledged that it was real.

Replying to a user on X, she remarked, "I literally never 'denied it was real.'" And to another person, she said, "Yeah, that's saying they're falling for (charitable view) something that's an obvious meme reference by taking it seriously. Please don't put words in my mouth."

Online speculations suggested that Lorenz was making a subtle reference to musician Lucy Dacus, who labeled former president Barack Obama as a "war criminal" on social media last year, using a frowny face.

The viral screenshot was an Instagram story shared using the "close friends" feature, which was not meant for the public eye and could be seen by only selected people, according to Fox News Digital.

An earlier report by NPR claimed "four people with direct knowledge" of it "confirmed its authenticity."

“Our executive editor and senior editors take alleged violations of our standards seriously,” a spokesperson for the Washington Post told NPR. “We’re aware of the alleged post and are looking into it.” 

Lorenz retorted to the report, saying, "Only about 7 people saw the actual close friends post (I have very few people on CF) and almost all are my normie non-media friends. So [I don't know] who this guy is talking about [to be honest]."

Biden, who exited the 2024 race last month, has been the center of criticism over his handling of the ongoing Israel-Hamas war. He was often labeled "Genocide Joe" for his weapons supply to the Jewish ally whose attack on Gaza killed more than  40,000 Palestinians since the outbreak of the war in October 2023.

Internet slams Taylor Lorenz for altering her story on Joe Biden 'war criminal' post

Taylor Lorenz drew backlash on social media for changing her narrative regarding the viral post on Joe Biden. Netizens called her a "pathological liar," after she flip-flopped.

A user wrote, "Taylor Lorenz in a nutshell...." along with a meme that read "Train Wreck."

"Taylor Lorenz’s flip-flop on the "war criminal" post exposes the left’s double standards. Why is it that when they’re caught, it’s “just a joke”?," another remarked.

"Too late...ITS OVER..SO LONG CLOWN SHOW..." added one user.

"Woman is a pathological liar. and still has a job as a journalist. all you need to know about the news," read a response.

"Sweet backpedal," an individual wrote.

"This woman lies every time she gets her hands caught in the cookie jar," someone else chimed in.

"And this is what you call 'trying to save your job,'" another commented below the Fox News article.

"She's quickly earning her reputation as a media bully that cries when she gets pushback. Not a very flattering image," read another remark.

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.