'Love in the riots' picture staged?

Published: 12:07PM Friday June 17, 2011 Source: ONE News

  • Print this article
  • Text size + -
  • 'Love in the riots' picture staged?  (Source: Getty)
    A couple embrace as riots fill the streets in Vancouver - Source: Getty
    'Love in the riots' picture staged?  (Source: via Twitter)
    This picture has led people to speculate whether the 'kiss in the riots' photo was staged - Source: via Twitter
  • Related

A kissing couple captured on camera amid scenes of rioting in Vancouver have created an internet sensation, but doubts are being raised about whether the scene is for real.

Riot police fired tear gas to control a mob that burned cars and looted shops in downtown Vancouver yesterday after the Canucks lost the Stanley Cup final to the Boston Bruins.

But in the midst of the chaos a couple shared a passionate embrace which was photographed and has been picked up on Twitter and by media across the world.

The photographer, Richard Lam, said he was running from riot police when he noticed two bodies lying in the road.

"I knew I had captured a 'moment' when I snapped the still forms against the backdrop of such chaos but it wasn't until later when I returned to the rink to file my photos that my editor pointed out that the two people were not hurt, but kissing," he told Esquire magazine.

However, a photo later released on Twitter seems to show a group of people speaking to the couple, one with a camera in his hand, leading people to speculate that the shot was staged.

An internet appeal has been launched to track down the pair and find out the real story behind the picture.

What do you think? Staged or not? Have your say on the messageboard below.

  • Print this article
  • Text size + -
  • more...

Add a Comment:

Post new comment

World News Video

World News

Most Popular

  1. Undercover report exposes elderly care industry
  2. Princess reveals Queen's private side
  3. 'Child porn' found on Megaupload servers by FBI
  4. 32 children killed in Syrian massacre watch
  5. Another suspicious fire in Kaiapoi

rssLatest News

Advertising

How do you want your news?

  • Mobile Devices

    TVNZ is available on mobile phones: Text TVNZ to 8869.

  • News Feeds

    See when TVNZ have added new content. You can get the latest headlines anywhere.

  • Podcasts

    Enjoy TVNZ on the move - a wide range of programmes and highlights are available.