A False Claim Says TV Icon Simon Cowell Killed in a Car Crash
Simon Cowell is a well-known TV judge of America’s Got Talent. Recently, a viral claim said he was killed in a car accident. The claim also shared pictures showing the TV icon laying on a medical bed. Social media users including Khmer-speaking Facebook u, users had widely shared the claim. However, after reviewing reliable pieces of news on international media platforms, we prove the claim is false.
Social Media Claim
A recent claim going viral on social media said a well-known TV icon Simon Cowell who sits on the judging panel of America’s Got Talent died in a car accident.
Khmer-speaking Facebook users widely reshared the claim after it was circulated on social media platforms early this month.
Here is a picture of the Facebook post: “The judge of ‘American’s Got Talent, ’ Simon Cowell, had died.”
The claim was reposted after a video reporting the death of Simon Cowell was circulated on social media on January 12.
The claim was circulated on a YouTube channel named Deceased Stars a month ago. Watch the full video below.
Fact Check
Fact Crescendo Cambodia began an investigation into the claim by reviewing reliable news circulated by international media platforms. Then, we found the facts below.
We found no reliable pieces of news about the death of Simon Cowell had been reported by international media.
However, a report by Mail Online on January 09 said the claim was a prank shocking Simon Cowell’s ex-girlfriend Sinitta Malone.
The 59-year-old singer told the Mail Online she got pranking messages from friends saying the TV icon died, but he is still alive and normal. Please see the full report below.
Because it was internationally viral, the claim was debunked by some fact-checking organizations, which found it was fake news.
Pictures showing Simon Cowell in a coma and laying on a medical bed were digitally edited, according to a debunking report circulated by Tech ARP on January 07. Please read the full story here and archived here.
In its report on Tuesday this week, NBC said America’s Got Talent 2023: All-Star was kicked off with three judges, including Simon Cowell. Please read the full report here.
Another claim last year also said Simon Cowell had died, and some photos showed American President Joe Biden paid homage to his image, but it was not true. Please read the full story here.
Conclusion
Fact Crescendo Cambodia found the claim mentioned above is false. The TV icon Simon Cowell – a well-known judge of America’s Got Talent – was not killed in a car accident. Instead, pictures showing him in a coma and laying on a medical bed are digitally edited.
Title:A False Claim Says TV Icon Simon Cowell Killed in a Car Crash
Fact Check By: Jay UdomResult: False
