A video is currently circulating on social media platforms, allegedly from the news channel CNN. The footage shows a live television program featuring news anchors and guest journalists on screen. During the debate, a short clip is displayed showing a crowd surrounding a female reporter. Claims accompanying the viral video allege that there was an attempted rape of a CNN reporter during a live TV show in India.
On social media platform X, verified user Julia Kendrick shared the viral video with the caption: “Shocking — a CNN reporter was allegedly sexually assaulted during a live TV show in India after the lights went out. I’m truly stunned. If a woman isn’t safe even during a live broadcast, then who is?” Additionally, numerous other users have shared the viral video with similar claims.
Multiple other users have also shared the posts, which can be viewed here and here.
Fact Check
To investigate the claims made in the viral video, DFRAC conducted a reverse search of the video’s keyframes. During this process, we discovered a similar original video on YouTube. This video was uploaded to YouTube by CNN’s official channel on August 24, 2013, with the caption “CNN reporter attacked on live TV in Mumbai, India.” The description further stated that “journalist and author Sunny Hundal discussed the rising incidents of gang rape in India with CNN’s Sara Sidner.”
We also found Sara Sidner’s original video on YouTube, which shows the incident that occurred while she was reporting in front of the Taj Hotel about the terrorist attacks in Mumbai, India. This video dates back to December 2008.
Conclusion
DFRAC’s fact-check reveals that the claims made in the viral video are misleading, as the aforementioned incident occurred 16 years ago.
