Boris Johnson “etched” from photo
Image retouching brings ridicule to British minister
01/11/2023, 08:05 am
A photo that British Minister for Economic Affairs Grant Shapps spreads via Twitter is causing a stir in Great Britain – because ex-Prime Minister Boris Johnson has been retouched on it. The retouching is so bad that even laypeople can easily spot it. Shapps is tight-lipped.
The British Minister for Economic Affairs, Grant Shapps, was ridiculed for a failed photo retouching. Former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson had been removed from the image he shared on his Twitter account. “Recognize the difference,” wrote the British “Guardian” in a comparison with the original. Shapps can be seen in the photo laughing alongside US space company Virgin Orbit CEO Dan Hart and British Space Agency’s Ian Annett.
In the version distributed by Shapps, however, there is a gaping hole where Johnson originally stood. Johnson also attended the June 2021 visit to Virgin Orbit. Numerous Twitter users pointed out to Shapps in the comments below the picture that the ex-prime minister could actually be seen there. The original is also easy to find on the government’s official Flickr account.
Shapps then dismissed allegations that he was responsible for the retouching and deleted the tweet. However, numerous screenshots have already made the rounds on the internet. In particular, users scoffed at the poorly done retouching, as part of Johnson’s elbow can still be seen. In addition, the montage clearly shows that part of the rocket shown is deformed and a logo that Johnson covered in the original was unnaturally reworked.
Shapps knew nothing
“Grant didn’t know anyone edited the picture,” the PA news agency quoted a source close to Shapp as saying. He removed it as soon as it was pointed out. “Obviously he would not support anyone who is rewriting history by removing the former Prime Minister from a picture,” the source continued. Shapps is proud to have served in Boris’ government. However, the minister did not issue an official apology.
On Twitter, a number of users made fun of further alienating the distorted image. For example, users put “Star Wars” villain Darth Vader in Johnson’s place or Jar Jar Binks. Also picture versions with the British comedian Mr BeanTV commissioner columbo, borate and even Joseph Stalin made the rounds.