COVERAWARDS INVESTIGATES: Was this Picture of Angelina Jolie Really Taken on June 22nd?
In last week’s issue of In Touch Weekly, the magazine proclaims that Angelina Jolie is still pregnant.
There had been numerous rumors that Angie had given birth but that was denied.
The magazine’s proof that Angelina Jolie is still pregnant is this blurry side-view photo at the bottom of the spread with what looks like Zahara and Shiloh standing next to her.
Upon close inspection of the photo credits, the magazine does not credit the photographer or photo agency. There is simply a N/C (which stands for not credited). All the other photos are credited on the spread.
When we called Bauer Publishing’s headquarters in Englewood Cliffs, NJ (full disclosure: I used to work there), we asked which agency took the photo or was if it taken by an independent photographer.
If the photo was taken by a “legitimate photo agency,” I would feel pretty secure that the photo was indeed taken on June 22, 2008. If the photo was taken by an “independent paparazzi,” I would not be so confident.
Unfortunately, CoverAwards received the following comment from a spokesperson when we asked the above question:
“Thanks for reaching out. We do not comment on this type of information.”
However, the magazine did heavily promote its photo scoop by emailing the photo out to numerous media outlets.
Since the magazine won’t comment, I will suggest a possible theory as to why this picture is older than the magazine is claiming.
Did a photographer pull a scam on InTouch?
An independent photographer (who looks like they take photos on people’s private properties while hanging from a tree) may have sold InTouch the photo and assured the magazine that the picture was taken on June 22nd.
The mag, which may or may not have a strong relationship with the photographer, may have taken the photographer at his/her word.
Why?
It is quite possible that the photographer realized he/she had this now valuable picture. The reports that Angelina gave birth sent the value of this photo through the roof. The photographer could now sell the photo “proving Angelina was pregnant” and say it was on June 22nd - after the false reports of her pregnancy.
But, there really is no evidence that this picture was taken on June 22nd. This photo could have been taken weeks before. Simply showing this picture and saying it is on June 22nd is not definitive proof.
Will we ever know the real answer? Probably not because InTouch won’t disclose anything further regarding the picture.
On another note, the point of this story is not to prove whether or not Angelina Jolie is still pregnant. It is to simply demonstrate how easy it could be for a photographer to misrepresent the date of a photo.
For the record, CoverAwards contacted InTouch again today, and the spokesperson once again said “no further comment” when we asked why the photo was marked n/c.
