Katie Couric slammed for 'deceptive' documentary about gun rights

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Kurtz: Couric gun documentary distortion 'can't be defended'

Fox News media analyst breaks down backlash over 'deceptive' editing of interview with gun rights activists

Gun rights activists featured in a new documentary hosted by Katie Couric say it utilizes deceptive editing to misrepresent their response to a question from the news anchor.

Members of the Virginia Citizens Defense League took part in a roundtable discussion in the film "Under the Gun."

A clip appears to show nine seconds of silence after Couric asks them, "If there are no background checks for gun purchasers, how do you prevent felons or terrorists from purchasing a gun?"

Audio released to the Washington Free Beacon reveals members immediately answering a similar question posed by Couric.

Director Stephanie Soechtig tells The Washington Post the pause was so viewers could consider the question. Couric says she supports the statement and is "very proud of the film."

But some are furious over the way the film portrays the activists in the documentary. The Independent Women's Forum issued a statement on Wednesday calling for Couric to be fired.

"Katie Couric should be ashamed of herself for her dishonest and distorted reporting on this issue,” said Culture of Alarmism Director Julie Gunlock. “She has gone from respected journalist to propagandist for gun control groups…  Like serial fabricator Brian Williams, Couric should be fired. Her tactics have been exposed and Americans should never again trust her to report on these important issues."

Some social media users echoed the organizations sentiments.

The NRA called the edits "outrageous" and "unbelievable" and tweeted that Couric should explain the editing.

“Under the Gun” premiered May 15 on Epix. It first screened at the Sundance Film Festival back in January.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.