Sen. Ted Cruz recently fell victim to a social media hoax during Hurricane Hilary. The Texas Senator, known for his controversial statements and social media presence, shared a tweet that showed a shark swimming through the flooded streets of Los Angeles. Cruz added his own reaction to the image, exclaiming “Holy crap.”
The tweet containing the shark photo was originally posted by Barstool’s Dan Katz, who claimed that the picture was taken by a friend driving along the L.A. freeway. However, it was later discovered that the image was edited and had been circulating on social media for years, often resurfacing during hurricanes. The first known posting of the image dates back to 2011, during Hurricane Irene’s impact on Puerto Rico.
Despite the viral nature of the post, Cruz seemingly missed the context provided by the online community. It’s worth noting that Cruz is known for his active presence on Elon Musk’s app and often engages with trending topics.
Interestingly, the shark photo had gone viral in Cruz’s home state of Texas during previous hurricanes. This incident serves as a reminder of the influence of social media in spreading misinformation and the importance of fact-checking before sharing content.
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Ultimately, Ted Cruz acknowledged that he had been duped by the fake photo, attributing his initial belief to the unpredictability of Los Angeles. He stated, “In LA, you never know…” It’s a notable admission from a politician who is often criticized for his controversial statements and actions.
In addition to the shark photo, there were also reports of an earthquake occurring simultaneously with Hurricane Hilary. While the earthquake is unrelated to the hurricane, Cruz’s mention of it alludes to his knack for making connections and drawing attention to his statements.
The incident involving Ted Cruz and the fake shark photo serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of misinformation on social media and the need for critical thinking. It highlights the importance of verifying information before sharing it, especially during times of crisis when false information can sow fear and confusion.
Furthermore, this incident raises questions about the role of public figures in spreading misinformation. As a public figure and elected official, Ted Cruz has a responsibility to act with integrity and ensure that the information he shares is accurate and verified. Failure to do so can erode public trust and contribute to the spread of misinformation.
In conclusion, Sen. Ted Cruz’s unwitting sharing of a fake shark photo during Hurricane Hilary highlights the need for vigilance in consuming and sharing information on social media. It serves as a reminder of the power and potential pitfalls of online platforms and the importance of fact-checking before spreading information. As individuals, we must all take responsibility for verifying the accuracy of the content we encounter and share to prevent the spread of misinformation.
