False Rumors of British Monarch’s Death Spread by Russian Media
On Monday afternoon, news of British monarch King Charles III’s supposed death surfaced in Russian media, sparking widespread disinformation.
Spread of Disinformation
The news quickly went viral without proper verification, gaining traction after being shared on Vedomosti’s Telegram channel, a reputable business newspaper in Russia.
- Rumors circulated with a photo of King Charles in ceremonial attire, claiming his demise.
- Major Russian internet channels like Readovka propagated the news to millions of subscribers.
Global Impact
The false news reached countries like Ukraine and Tajikistan, causing confusion and concern.
- Even an abdication letter naming a fictional successor, “King Bob, the yellow Minion,” circulated.
Concerns and Reactions
As the news spread internationally, doubts arose about its authenticity.
- Initial reports from Russian sources were later retracted, casting doubt on the information.
- A meme frenzy ensued, with photoshopped images and satirical comments circulating online.
- The Russian foreign ministry criticized the situation, calling London’s response “pathetic.”
Clarification and Conclusion
Eventually, the Russian state news agency Tass confirmed that King Charles III was alive and fulfilling his duties, putting an end to the false rumors.
