Authors
Vasudha noticed the growing problem of mis/disinformation online after studying New Media at ACJ in Chennai and became interested in separating facts from fiction. She is interested in learning how global issues affect individuals on a micro level. Before joining Newschecker’s English team, she was working with Latestly.
Pankaj Menon is a fact-checker based out of Delhi who enjoys ‘digital sleuthing’ and calling out misinformation. He has completed his MA in International Relations from Madras University and has worked with organisations like NDTV, Times Now and Deccan Chronicle online in the past.
Claim
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inappropriately looking at Rihanna.
Fact
Image has been digitally manipulated to place Rihanna’s photograph on the vacant seat next to the PM.
A photograph of Prime Minister Narendra Modi seemingly looking at singer Rihanna inappropriately while seated on adjacent chairs has surfaced on social media platforms. The Barbadian celebrity had earlier dominated the Indian social and mainstream media in 2021 following her tweet on the farmers’ protest against the now-repealed farm laws by the centre.
The image of PM Modi alongside Rihanna was shared online with the caption, “A magnetic force causes his face to turn mysteriously.” Newschecker found that the photograph has been digitally edited. In the actual photo, the seat next to the Prime Minister is empty and an image of Rihanna from a 2017 event has been digitally added to it.
Such posts can be seen here, here, here and here.
Also Read: Old, Unrelated Images Shared Claiming To Show Anti-Modi Posters In US Amid PM’s Visit
Fact Check/Verification
A keyword search for “PM Modi,” “Rihanna,” and “meet” did not yield any reports on them meeting or sharing a stage. Following this, we snipped the image of PM Modi and looked up the same on Google lens. The search led us to a tweet by @Gujju_Er, dated May 27, 2023, carrying an image of the Prime Minister sitting in the same manner as seen in the viral photograph. However, the seat next to him is vacant.
On comparing the viral photograph with the image tweeted by @Gujju_Er, we could conclude that the picture showing PM Modi alongside Rihanna has been digitally edited.
The original image was also shared on Facebook on August 29, 2022.
Also Read: Five-Year-Old Video Of IndiGo Staffers Assaulting Passenger Resurfaces Post Airbus Deal
Following this, a Google lens search on Rihanna’s photograph led us to a report by Mirror, dated March 1, 2017, titled “Rihanna is chic in off-the-shoulder dress as she collects Harvard’s 2017 Humanitarian of the Year Award.” The report carried an image of Rihanna in the attire, and sitting posture identical to the one seen in the viral photograph.
Also Read: Viral Anthony Blinken Statement Criticising Jaishankar On ‘Minority Persecution’ In India Is Fake
Conclusion
We can thus conclude that the viral image of PM Modi inappropriately looking at Rihanna has been digitally manipulated, and does not show an actual incident.
Result: Altered Photo
Sources
Tweet By @Gujju_Er, Dated May 27, 2023
Report By Mirror, Dated March 1, 2017
If you would like us to fact-check a claim, give feedback, or lodge a complaint, WhatsApp us at 9999499044 or email us at checkthis@newschecker.in. You can also visit the Contact Us page and fill out the form.
Authors
Vasudha noticed the growing problem of mis/disinformation online after studying New Media at ACJ in Chennai and became interested in separating facts from fiction. She is interested in learning how global issues affect individuals on a micro level. Before joining Newschecker’s English team, she was working with Latestly.
Pankaj Menon is a fact-checker based out of Delhi who enjoys ‘digital sleuthing’ and calling out misinformation. He has completed his MA in International Relations from Madras University and has worked with organisations like NDTV, Times Now and Deccan Chronicle online in the past.
