Ben Carson apologizes for inadvertent plagiarism

Neurosurgeon Ben Carson, a possible 2016 presidential contender and rising conservative star, is facing plagiarism accusations after the website BuzzFeed revealed passages in his 2012 book America the Beautiful matched those in other books and online sources.

“I attempted to appropriately cite and acknowledge all sources in America the Beautiful, but inadvertently missed some,” Carson said in a prepared statement. “I apologize, and I am working with my editors to rectify the situation.”

The book’s publisher, Zondervan, plans to make revisions to any future editions.

At least one author whose work appeared in Carson’s book said he gave the doctor permission to use the material as he saw fit. William Federer, who wrote America’s God and Country, told CNN Carson’s book included many citations of his work and has even been good for his own sales.

“It is obvious that Dr. Ben Carson has made demonstrable effort to make proper attribution,” Federer said. “Indeed, his overt acknowledgments have resulted in numerous individuals contacting me to purchase the book.”

Other material used without citation came from the website SocialismSucks.net, a Liberty Institute press release, CBS News, and The Five Thousand Year Leap by W. Cleon Skousen.

Carson collaborated on the book with his wife, Candy. A source told National Review Online the couple relied on their editors to make sure all of the material was cited correctly. The plagiarism accusations reportedly “blindsided” the Carsons, according to NRO.