The image circulating on Facebook claiming that CNN reported the ‘Chill Guy’ meme as a hate symbol is false. The screenshot is digitally altered, attributing false information to a 2019 CNN article about hate symbols. In reality, the genuine article does not mention the meme and discusses the enduring nature of certain hate symbols. The ‘Chill Guy’ meme, featuring an anthropomorphic dog, did not exist at the time of the original article’s publication. The meme gained popularity online in 2023 and has been used in various contexts but is not associated with racist ideologies. A CNN spokesperson confirmed that the image in question is fabricated and not published by CNN. This misinformation is part of a trend of misrepresented claims involving CNN’s journalism, and fact-checking organizations like Reuters and Check Your Fact have also debunked it. The post has been shared over 400 times on Facebook, perpetuating false information about the meme’s association with hate symbols. It is essential to verify sources and facts before sharing or believing claims found on social media to prevent the spread of misinformation.
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The 2019 CNN Story about Hate Symbols is Distorted by an Altered Image
