As the World Turns, The Doctors star Elizabeth Hubbard has died

Coverage of Esta TerBlanche's untimely death in many major news outlets has mistakenly featured photos of As the World Turns alum Lauren B. Martin.

As the soap community continues to reel from the unexpected death of All My Children actress Esta TerBlanche, there has been another, unexpected tragedy that has stemmed from news coverage of the event. More than half a dozen maintream media outlets have used a photo of someone other than TerBlanche in their articles about her death.

Now, actress Lauren B. Martin is speaking out about what calls "careless mistakes" that run contrary to the "standards of accuracy and diligence in reporting."

I am deeply saddened by the news of Esta TerBlanche's passing. Esta was a beloved colleague, whose talent and warmth touched the lives of many. Her creative contributions, especially her unforgettable role on the iconic All My Children, will be forever cherished and remembered," Martin said in a statement to Soap Central.

"Sadly, I must also address a serious and unfortunate error. Several major news outlets have used a photograph of me instead of Esta, in their coverage," Martin continued.

Martin shared that colleagues had mistaken believed that she had died, something that the actress said also denied TerBlanche "the respectful tribute she deserves."

Martin is requesting "all offending media organizations to correct this mistake and issue appropriate public apologies, immediately."

Esta TerBlanche, who played Gillian Andrassy on ABC's All My Children, died July 18, 2024. She was just 51. You can read Soap Central's coverage of TerBlanche's passing here.

You can read Lauren B. Martin's complete statement below.

Sadly, I must also address a serious and unfortunate error. Several major news outlets (including People, Entertainment Weekly, Deadline, MSN, The New York Post, and more; as well as multiple online outlets and television programs) have used a photograph of me instead of Esta, in their coverage.

The use of my photo to accompany tributes to Esta does not properly honor her life and legacy. At a time when her loved ones should be lifted by a dignified, respectful global remembrance, such mistakes only bring added distress. Obituaries are often cherished and saved by those who have lost someone. They serve as durable memorials of the life and contributions of our loved ones. It is crucial they, at a minimum, accurately reflect and celebrate the deceased. This error and the lack of due diligence it represents distracts from the magnificent light that was Esta TerBlanche. And the lack of urgency in correcting this mistake by so many of these outlets denies her loved ones and fans the respectful tribute she deserves.

Unfortunately, such careless mistakes have very real second- and third-order effects, as well. The past 24 hours have brought significant confusion and distress for my own family and friends, who've received hundreds of calls and messages notifying them of, and seeking reaction to (or comment on), "my" passing. Some professional colleagues even began discussions of "contingencies" to replace me in the wake of my apparent death. It has been a surreal nightmare that, worst of all, pulls focus from the memorial and celebration of the beautiful Esta TerBlanche.

That is unacceptable and I call on all offending media organizations to correct this mistake and issue appropriate public apologies, immediately. It is essential that we uphold the standards of accuracy and diligence in reporting, particularly in matters as sensitive as the passing of a cherished individual and public figure. Let us ensure Esta TerBlanche receives the honor and respect she deserves and commit to doing better in the future.

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Edited by SC Desk