Authors
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
Ronaldo has opened up his plush hotel in Morocco as shelter for earthquake victims in Morocco.
Fact
This news is incorrect. The hotel management has clarified that they are taking bookings as usual, and that no special arrangements have been made for earthquake victims at the hotel.
A 6.8 magnitude earthquake shook Morocco late night on September 10, resulting in massive damage and loss of at least 2,862 lives. However, in the wake of the devastating earthquake, social media users are claiming that ace footballer Cristiano Ronaldo has offered his Hotel Pestana CR7 as a temporary shelter for those who lost their homes in the earthquake is false.
Of the many users who shared the image on their X page was one Anty Kankanaty, who wrote, ‘They mocked at Cristiano Ronaldo during world cup and now he gives out his plush hotel as shelter for earthquake victims in Morocco. Ya Allah show this man a way of life better than his current position.’
Some X Users, including verified users have also posted on social media with the same claim. Those can be viewed by clicking here, here, here and here.
Several News Websites have also published the news of the hotel of Portuguese star footballer Cristiano Ronaldo, who is currently busy in the Saudi Arabian Football League. They can be viewed by clicking here, here, here and here.
On the other hand, this news has gone viral on social media platform Facebook. Many verified users have shared this news. Some of them can be viewed by clicking here, here, here and here.
Fact check / Verification
In order to ascertain the fact of the viral Image, Newschecker conducted a Google keyword search which led us to a report from Hindustan Times dated September 11, where it was stated that the news was false.
Furthermore, we also found reports from Goal.com and Morocco world News dated September 11 which also reported that the viral claim was false. According to the reports, the hotel management has clarified that Pestana CR7 is operating normally, with regular bookings, and no special arrangements have been made for earthquake victims in the luxury hotel.
Furthermore, Morocco World News reports that the news has spread throughout the country, and that the hotel manager has stated that they received many phone calls from people wanting to know if such arrangements have indeed been made for Moroccan earthquake victims. Some people also claimed to have found shelter at Ronaldo’s hotel after the earthquake, but the hotel management has completely denied these claims. According to their information, people from various countries are present at the hotel. In such earthquake situations, ensuring their safety is the top priority.
In addition, Newschecker also checked the official Facebook page, Twitter page and website of Hotel Pestana CR7 (Morocco), but no posts or Press Releases related to offering shelter to the earthquake victims was shared. Meanwhile, we tried to contact Hotel Pestana CR7 Morocco via mail, WhatsApp & other Social Media handles. This article will be updated with their response once we receive it .
Conclusion
The viral claim on social media – that Cristiano Ronaldo opened his hotel for earthquake victims in Morocco – is indeed false. The hotel management has clarified that there has been no special arrangements made for earthquake victims at the hotel.
Result- False
Our sources:
1. Facebook post by Juliet Bauwah, dated September 7, 2023
2. Report published by Goal.com dated September 11, 2023
3. Report published by Morocco world News dated September 11, 2023
4. Report published by Hindustan Times dated September 11, 2023
5. Report published by Marca dated September 9, 2023
6. Tweet by Anty Kankanaty dated September 10, 2023
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Authors
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.
