Misinformation about Fonda’s actions in Vietnam has been circulating for 20 years. We rate the claim that Barbara Walters wrote an inaccurate commentary condemning actress Jane Fonda as FALSE because it is not supported by our research. Neither Steffen nor Rogers & Cowan, the agency that represents Walters, has responded to USA TODAY’s request for comment. ![]() USA TODAY has also found no record of Walters ever making that statement. PolitiFact has tackled the claim that Walters authored the commentary twice, first in October 2019 then in January 2020, ruling it false both times.Ĭheck Your Fact also found no evidence Walters wrote the commentary in December 2019. In February 2013, Truth or Fiction addressed the claims in the commentary for a second time after news that Fonda would play Nancy Reagan in “ The Butler” inspired it to resurface online. In January 2001, Fox News called the claim an “urban myth.”į debunked a lengthy email chain, nearly identical to what Steffen posted on Facebook, in November 2010. That version of the hoax claimed Obama was planning to honor Fonda and attributed the copied commentary to Walters. Debunked many times over two decadesĪfter Fonda participated in Walter’s 1999 ABC special "A Celebration: 100 Years of Great Women," angering some members of the public and intensifying online misinformation, Snopes debunked the commentary in June 2000. None of those men accused Fonda of dangerously betraying them during her visit. In fact, some of those POWs like Miller have debunked the viral claim themselves. While Fonda was in Vietnam she met with seven American prisoners of war: Edison Miller, Walter Wilber, James Padgett, David Wesley Hoffman, Kenneth James Fraser, William G. Dianne Feinstein did not say all vets are mentally ill The Minneapolis Star Tribune also confirmed the story was false, with accounts from both veterans that it claimed had been beaten, on May 25, 2005, according to .įact check: California Sen. I doubt if we’ll ever kill it, but please I beg you do not pass it on.” “The story has taken on a life of its own. Jerry Driscoll, a Vietnam veteran named in the post, publicly said in May 2002 that he and Larry Carrigan, another named veteran, had never met Fonda and that the allegations were false. Veterans named in the commentary said its claims are not true Many Americans felt Fonda hadn’t properly atoned for her mistakes and expressed anger toward the program. In 1999, ABC controversially selected Fonda to be part of “ A Celebration: 100 Years of Great Women” which was hosted by Walters. Her famous, and often infamous, anti-war efforts earned her the nickname “Hanoi Jane.” Fonda has said the insensitive photo she took with North Vietnamese soldiers while sitting on an anti-aircraft gun used to shoot down American planes still haunts her. Many Americans disapproved of Fonda’s comments about the war and the image of North Vietnam she perpetuated on her trip. ![]() Not only are the claims in the commentary untrue, Walters didn't write it.įact check: Ted Nugent did not write viral post criticizing athletes for kneeling Fonda's controversial 1972 tripįonda traveled to Hanoi, Vietnam, to protest the Vietnam War, but she did not do most of the things the post claims. It will eventually end up on her computer, and she needs to know that we will never forget," it continues. "Please take the time to forward to as many people as you possibly can. The lengthy post, which names two men, goes on to accuse Fonda of betraying several prisoners of war during her 1972 trip to Vietnam, and inciting deadly beatings. ![]() Fonda betrayed not only the idea of our country, but specific men who served and sacrificed during the Vietnam War,” Brian A Steffen posted on Facebook in May. “Barbara Walters writes: Unfortunately, many have forgotten and still countless others have never known how Ms. This time, the 20-year-old piece says it's from journalist Barbara Walters. Watch Video: Barbara Walters best moments | USA NOW The claim: Barbara Walters wrote viral commentary accusing Jane Fonda of treason during the Vietnam Warĭespite several decades and fact checks, a viral hoax accusing American actress and activist Jane Fonda of treason persists.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |