A wild rumor has been circulating online claiming that White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt revealed some supposed “truth” about WNBA star Brittney Griner's gender. The rumor also alleges that the WNBA is implementing mandatory “sex testing” for the upcoming season. Let's break down what's fact and what's fiction.
The Claim: Leavitt's Revelation and WNBA Testing
The rumor, which gained traction in late July and early August, primarily spread across social media platforms like Facebook and Threads. Posts shared sensational headlines claiming Leavitt had made controversial statements about Griner, and that the WNBA was reacting with mandatory sex testing. One example from a Facebook page, “Today in America,” garnered significant engagement, with tens of thousands of reactions, comments, and shares.
The Truth: A Fabricated Story
Extensive searches across multiple search engines (Bing, DuckDuckGo, Google, and Yahoo) revealed a complete absence of credible news sources reporting on either Leavitt's alleged statement or the WNBA's supposed new policy. Major news outlets would undoubtedly cover such a controversial development if it were true.
In reality, the story appears to be entirely fabricated. It's part of a larger network of fabricated stories on politically charged issues, likely created to generate advertising revenue. Facebook's “page transparency” data suggests that some of the individuals behind these websites are located in Vietnam.
Why the Spread of Misinformation Matters
This incident highlights the ease with which misinformation can spread online, particularly when it involves polarizing figures and sensitive topics. It's crucial to be skeptical of sensational headlines and to verify information with reputable news sources before sharing it. Always consider the source and look for evidence of bias or questionable motives. In today's digital age, media literacy is more important than ever.
So, next time you see a shocking claim online, take a moment to pause and investigate before hitting that share button. You might just prevent the spread of misinformation.