4 UK celebrities most exposed to fake news
From death hoaxes to rumours about sexual orientation and more, celebrities are prime tabloid fodder. However, fake news is a serious problem that can have serious consequences. Most times, fake news refers to the deliberate spread of false or misleading information, often to manipulate public opinion or cause harm.
Often, the scariest part about fake news is that it can spread quickly through social media and other online platforms, making it difficult to distinguish it from legitimate news sources. The impact of fake news can be far-reaching. But what’s worst is that it’s been linked to a decline in public trust in media and a rise in political polarization and extremism, according to the Knight Foundation.
Below, we look at four UK celebrities most associated with fake news in 2022:
- Tom Holland
Tom Holland has been associated with several instances of fake news throughout the years. Research by virtual private network company ExpressVPN found that Holland is highest ranked actor targeted by fake news. Holland is also the only British person to make the top 10.
Although, we’re not sure if he’ll be proud of this honour.
The actor is best known for being Peter Parker, also known as Spider-Man in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. In 2017, a false rumor circulated online that Holland had been fired from the Spider-Man franchise, causing concern among his fans. However, the rumor was quickly debunked by Marvel Studios and Holland, who confirmed that he was still attached to the role.
In 2020, another false rumor emerged claiming that Holland was cast as the lead in a live-action adaptation of the anime series Death Note. This rumor was also quickly debunked by both Holland and the production company responsible for the adaptation.
2. Harry Styles
In 2018, a false rumor circulated online claiming Styles had come out as gay, causing excitement and celebration among some of his fans. However, the rumour was quickly put to rest by Styles’ representatives, who confirmed that the singer had not publicly stated his sexual orientation.
3. Millie Bobby Brown
Perhaps unsurprisingly, the Stranger Things lead actress has been a victim of multiple malicious rumours.
One rumor that has circulated online is that Brown is a member of the Ku Klux Klan, which is untrue and has no basis. Another false rumour is that Brown is a Satanist, which is also completely unfounded. In 2018, a Twitter user tweeted that Brown had aggressively ripped a hijab off of her head and furiously stamped on it. While the tweet was obviously fake, it didn’t stop another user from claiming that Brown had said something homophobic to her when she attempted to take a photo with her. The Tweet ended with the hashtag #TakeDownMillieBobbyBrown.
4. Idris Elba
He may have been one of People Magazine’s Sexiest Men Alive, but it doesn’t mean he’s immune to fake news and rumours. In fact, the actor, best known for his roles in Thor, Luther, and Beast Of No Nation, has been associated with numerous ridiculous fake news and stories.
One false rumour is that Elba is a member of the Illuminati, a secret society rumoured to control world events. Several other celebrities, such as Beyonce, Jay-Z, and Rihanna, have been rumoured to be a part of this secret society.
This rumour, along with the ones associated with U.S.-based celebs, is also completely unfounded and has no basis in reality. Other false rumours about Elba include claims that he is a member of the Freemasons and that he has a criminal record.