DailyKenn.com — White House occupant Joe Biden evoked the ire of Papua New Guinea's Prime Minister James Marape after Biden claimed his uncle had been eaten there.
Marape said that his country should not be labeled as "cannibals." Biden had incorrectly suggested that his uncle was eaten by New Guinea natives during World War II when his plane crashed near the Pacific island.
Marape expressed his concerns in a statement emphasizing that his country doesn't deserve such a portrayal. This criticism from Marape came on the same day he met with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Port Moresby, which could potentially strain US-Papua New Guinea relations.
Biden is known for his tall tales.
During a speech at a war memorial in Scranton, Pa., Biden had mentioned his uncle's plane going down in an area with cannibals. He later repeated this claim to Pittsburgh steelworkers. However, records from the Pentagon indicate that Biden's uncle's plane experienced engine failure and crashed into the Pacific Ocean in 1944, with no evidence of cannibalism.
White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre later clarified that Biden's uncle died in a plane crash in the Pacific near New Guinea and criticized the press for treating the matter lightly.
Marape's statement highlighted that remnants from World War II still litter Papua New Guinea, including the wreckage of Biden's uncle's plane. He mentioned that the country still lives with the fear of unexploded WWII bombs.
While there were cannibalistic tribes historically in the region, present-day Papua New Guinea residents found Biden's speculation offensive. Michael Kabuni, a political science lecturer, stated that not all white men falling from the sky would be eaten by tribesmen. Allan Bird, governor of East Sepik province, found Biden's remarks more amusing than offensive, suggesting they might reflect childhood stories Biden heard.
Biden has faced criticism in the past for embellishing family tragedies and personal history, with his 1988 presidential campaign suffering due to plagiarism and false claims.
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