Index/Topics/Social media rumors

Social media rumors

The spread of misinformation and rumors on social media, particularly in relation to high-profile incidents.

Fact-Checks

9 results
Jan 14, 2026
Most Viewed

Did nasal claim there will be a gravity blackout

The available reporting shows no credible evidence that NASA announced or supports any planned “gravity blackout” in 2026; the viral “Project Anchor” story claiming Earth will lose gravity for seven s...

Jan 16, 2026
Most Viewed

Is Donald trump Jr adopted

Every major biographical source in the record identifies Donald John Trump Jr. as the eldest child born to Donald J. Trump and Ivana Zelníčková (Ivana Trump); none of the supplied reporting asserts th...

Jan 26, 2026
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Did ICE shoot off woman's hand?

No credible reporting in the materials provided supports the claim that "shot off" a woman’s hand; available coverage describes that was fatally shot with multiple gunshot wounds to her head/upper bod...

Jan 12, 2026

How do social‑media rumors about criminal allegations typically spread after high‑profile incidents, and what fact‑checking methods detect them?

Social‑media rumors about criminal allegations flare quickly after high‑profile incidents because platforms concentrate attention, amplify emotionally charged claims, and reward rapid sharing by influ...

Jan 10, 2026

What performers, if any, have officially signed on to Turning Point USA's All American Halftime Show?

Turning Point USA publicly announced an "All American Halftime Show" but did not list performers on its official site, saying performers and details were "coming soon" . News reports show a mix of unv...

Jan 19, 2026

Which artists have publicly denied involvement with Turning Point USA’s All American Halftime Show?

Several widely shared claims about which musicians would appear at Turning Point USA’s “All American Halftime Show” have been contested or debunked, and a small number of artists or their representati...

Jan 11, 2026

Has Ayatollah Khamenei left iran

There is no verifiable reporting that Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has left Iran; multiple outlets published photos and statements showing him speaking in Tehran/Qom in early January w...

Jan 10, 2026

Are there ongoing custody disputes involving Erika Kirk and Charlie Kirk's children?

There is no reliable evidence in the reporting provided that Erika Kirk has lost custody of her children or that there is an ongoing custody dispute involving her late husband Charlie Kirk’s parents; ...

Jan 6, 2026

Which fact‑checking organizations have debunked the Michelle Obama transgender claims and what evidence did they cite?

Multiple established fact‑checking organizations—including Snopes, PolitiFact, FactCheck.org and the Associated Press—have repeatedly examined and dismissed the claim that Michelle Obama is transgende...