Jul 14, 2006 8:31 am US/Pacific
Dying Princess Diana Photo Outrages UK Tabloids
LONDON (AP) ―
An Italian magazine's decision to publish a photo of a dying Princess Diana set off anger Friday in Britain, with tabloid newspapers leading the protests against the image.
The black-and-white photo in Milan-based Chi magazine shows the princess receiving oxygen in the wreckage of the car crash that killed her on Aug. 31, 1997. The picture was excerpted from "Lady Diana: The Criminal Investigation," a new book by French author Jean-Michel Caradec'h.
"Shame on you," scolded the tabloid Sun. The Daily Express called the image "grotesque" and swore not to reprint it.
The Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Fund said the photos were in poor taste.
"A lot of people are appalled by the decision," said Mitali Atal, a fund spokeswoman. "The editor hasn't thought about the affect the photos would have on her family. It is completely unnecessary."
Harrods department store boss Mohamed al Fayed, whose son Dodi also died in the crash, called the publication "vile."
"This heartless pursuit of money brings shame on those responsible for producing such a vile publication," al Fayed said in a statement Thursday. "The editor and the author, who probably have families of their own, have no thought for the feelings of those who loved the princess, first and foremost her sons, the Princes William and Harry."
The magazine's editor, Umberto Brindani, told Britain's Press Association that the photograph was "touching" and "tender" but not offensive.
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