In this era of social media, it is not uncommon for wild and false rumors to circulate about public figures. Recently, a rumor began to spread on social media that JD Vance, the Republican Senator from Ohio and running mate for presidential nominee Donald Trump, had engaged in sexual relations with a couch.
The Associated Press (AP), a trusted news organization, did not just turn a blind eye to this rumor. Instead, they took the time to fact-check and investigate the claim. As a result, they were able to confirm that there is no truth to this rumor.
The wire service released an article with the headline, “No, JD Vance did not have sex with a couch,” which quickly caught the attention of many. The article, which was shared by Meidas Touch co-founder Ben Meiselas and others, displayed the screen capture of the oddly blunt headline.
The rumor originated from a misinterpretation of Vance’s memoir, Hillbilly Elegy. Some people on social media claimed that Vance had written about simulating sexual acts with a rubber glove anchored between the cushions of a couch. This sparked a backlash from people who questioned Vance’s character and suitability for the role of Vice President.
One Twitter user wrote, “You have only been a Senator for 18 months, you are NOT qualified to be @VP plus you depravely humped a couch and wrote about it in your book!” Even comedian Kathy Griffin jumped in on the rumor, stating that the country should not have a “couchf*cker” as Vice President.
However, AP’s investigation revealed that these accusations were baseless. In fact, they searched the PDF version of the memoir and found no mention of “couch” or “rubber glove.” Additionally, other sources like The Cut also confirmed that the pages mentioned in the rumor do not contain any reference to such actions.
This thorough fact-checking by the Associated Press debunked the false rumors and put an end to the speculation surrounding Vance’s character. It also highlights the importance of responsible journalism in the face of the rampant spread of misinformation on social media.
Some may question the need for such an investigation. However, it is essential to ensure that public figures are not falsely accused and subjected to unnecessary scrutiny. The AP’s efforts to get to the truth are commendable and show their commitment to delivering accurate and reliable news.
Moreover, this incident serves as a reminder that we should not believe everything we read on social media. It is crucial to fact-check and verify information before spreading it. The spread of false information can have severe consequences, as seen in this case, where Vance’s reputation was tarnished due to baseless rumors.
In the end, the Associated Press’s investigation serves as a testament to their dedication to delivering unbiased and factual news. They did not shy away from the subject, and instead, took the time and effort to delve into the matter and set the record straight.
It is also worth noting that this is not the first time AP has debunked false claims about public figures. They have a track record of fact-checking and correcting false information, and this incident further solidifies their credibility as a news organization.
As for JD Vance, this incident may serve as a valuable lesson in the power of social media and the need for responsible journalism. It is a reminder that anything we post online can be taken out of context and have damaging consequences. But through this ordeal, Vance has shown grace and remained focused on his role as a Senator and a potential Vice President.
In conclusion, the Associated Press’s fact-checking and debunking of the false rumors about JD Vance’s alleged involvement with a couch are a testament to their commitment to delivering accurate and reliable news. It also serves as a reminder to be cautious of what we believe and share on social media. Let us not fall prey to baseless rumors and instead rely on trusted news sources like AP for accurate information. As for JD Vance, let us not judge him based on false accusations, but rather on his qualifications and actions as a public figure.
