In 1972, Jane Fonda made a mistake she “will go to my grave regretting”

In 1972, Jane Fonda travelled to North Vietnam to oppose the war and was photographed sitting at an anti-aircraft gun in Hanoi. The image sparked anger in the United States, earned her the label “Hanoi Jane” and overshadowed her anti-war activism.

Fonda later told Oprah Winfrey that she regretted the photograph and its impact on American soldiers, calling it thoughtless. She said she had not considered the consequences and accepted responsibility, even while unsure whether the Vietnamese had arranged the photo. The article notes that she continued her activism in later years, while recognising that good intentions do not excuse poor judgement.