A viral photo of a cop hugging a boy at a Portland Ferguson protest this week was in reality staged publicity stunt. The boy was holding a sign that was offering “free hugs.”
The moment, which was supposed to be spontaneous, was actually staged by a photographer who suggested the pair embrace.
Advertisement
Mainstream press outlets reported the “moment” like this: Portland rally was 12-year-old Devonte Hart, who stood crying out of sadness over the events in Ferguson. He was holding a “Free Hugs” sign. Portland Police Sgt. Bret Barnum saw the boy’s sign and asked if he could have a hug. The boy gave him one. h/t yahoonews
Devonte’s mom was eager to play along deeming the moment as “one of the most emotionally charged experiences I’ve had as a mother.”
