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
Rainbow installation around the iconic Paris monument Arc de Triomphe to celebrate Pride month.
Fact
Viral video is a work of 3D animation. It does not show an actual installation around the monument.
A video purportedly showing a giant rainbow installation around the iconic French monument Arc de Triomphe in Paris has created a stir on social media platforms. Multiple users who shared the viral footage alleged that the landmark has been “defaced to celebrate Pride.” Notably, June is observed as Pride Month worldwide to commentate the past and ongoing struggles of LGBTQI + community. Newschecker found the claim to be untrue. The viral clip is a work of 3D animation, and not a genuine installation around Arc de Triomphe.
Such posts can be seen here, here, here, here, here and here.
Fact Check/Verification
We looked up the website and social media accounts dedicated to Arc de Triomphe, but did not find a mention of any installation around it. A video live streamed on June 1, 2023, featuring the monument did not show a Rainbow installation either.
Following this, we conducted a keyword search for “Arc de Triomphe, Paris” “Rainbow,” and “Pride Month” in French on Google which yielded a report by Le Parisien, dated June 2, 2023. The report carried the viral footage, and stated that it was generated using a 3D creation software. It added that the video was created by an artist, Ian Padgham. The report further quoted Padgham as saying, “I first filmed on location, then I created the rainbow on 3D software and integrated it into the video. It took me about 3 days (translated from French)”
Multiple other reports have pointed out that the viral clip is a work of 3D animation by Ian Padgham, and does not show an actual installation at Arc de Triomphe. Such reports can be seen here, here and here.
We skimmed through Padgham’s verified Instagram account, and spotted multiple digitally created videos including the viral footage.
Padgham also shared the video on his Twitter account on June 1, 2023 with the caption, “Arc-en-ciel de Triomphe, Paris. Happy #PrideMonth everyone!!” In the comment section, the artist stated, “No AI was used. Just me doing 3D animation and lots of hand-edited details.”
Also Read: Old Video From Hyderabad Shared To Show CCTV Footage Of Train Accident In Odisha
Conclusion
Viral video of a giant rainbow installation around Paris’ Arc de Triomphe was found to be animated. It does not show an actual installation around the monument.
Result: False
Sources
Report By Le Parisien, Dated June 2, 2023
Instagram Account Of Ian Padgham
Tweet By @origiful, Dated June 1, 2023
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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.
