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
Photograph shows massive support to a protest against Israel in Kerala.
Fact
2017 photograph showing crowd during actor Sunny Leone’s Kochi visit.
A photograph showing an aerial view of a densely packed crowd flooding a street is being widely circulated on social media platforms.Those sharing the image claimed that it showed a protest against Israel in Kerala amid ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestine. Newschecker, however, found the claim to be untrue.
Multiple X and Facebook users shared the photograph claiming, “Massive protest against Israel in Kerala, India.” Newschecker also received a link to one such Facebook post on our WhatsApp tipline (+91- 9999499044) requesting to be fact checked.
Such posts can be seen here, here, here and here.
Also Read: Viral Video Claiming To Show RSS March In Haryana Is Actually From Kerala
Fact Check/Verification
A Google lens search on the viral image led us to a report by The News Minute, dated August 17, 2017, titled ‘It’s Sunny weather in Kochi: Thousands go crazy to catch a glimpse of the actor.’ Carrying the same image, the report elaborated, “… looking at the crowds in Kochi’s popular MG Road, an ignorant person would have assumed that this was a political rally. But though they didn’t carry any flags, the crowd had an agenda for sure – to catch a glimpse of Sunny Leone, the outspoken actor, philanthropist and entrepreneur. “
The report also featured other visuals from the actor’s Kochi visit for the inauguration of a branch of the mobile retail chain Fone4.
The photograph was also featured in Times Of India’s photogallery on Sunny Leone’s visit to Kochi in August 2017.
Multiple other outlets such as Hindustan Times and India Today, also featured the same photograph showing thousands flooding the street to see the actor during her Kochi visit.
Leone had also shared the viral photograph on her X account in August 2017. “My car in literally a sea of love in Kochi Kerala!! Thanks #fone4,” she said in the post.
Conclusion
An old photograph from actor Sunny Leone’s visit to Kochi has been falsely shared to show massive support to a protest against Israel in Kerala.
Result: False
Sources
Report By The News Minute, Dated August 17, 2017
Report By Times Of India, Dated August 17, 2017
X Post By @SunnyLeone, Dated August 17, 2017
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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.
