One Dumb Conspiracy

One Dumb Conspiracy is a weekly column that debunks conspiracy theories that are swirling around the internet that runs on Mondays in the Daily Dot’s web_crawlr newsletter. If you want to read this column before everyone else, sign up for the newsletter here.

Did 'undercover FBI agent' reveal what he saw inside Diddy's house?

No, secrets about Diddy were not spilled by an ‘undercover FBI agent’

Hundreds of YouTube users responded to the video by leaving conspiratorial comments about Hollywood and Diddy.

On Jun 11, 2024 by Mikael Thalen

Does this picture prove Trump was 'invited to the cookout?'

People are being fooled by an AI image showing Trump at a barbeque

The photo was also amplified on X by prominent right-wing figures.

On Jun 4, 2024 by Mikael Thalen

Tom Hanks didn't wear a 'Vote for Joe, not the psycho' shirt

No, Tom Hanks didn’t wear a ‘Vote for Joe, not the psycho’ shirt

While the image in question was clearly of poor quality, it still appeared to fool many online.

On May 28, 2024 by Mikael Thalen

Conspiracy theorists blame HAARP for Northern Lights

Conspiracy theorists think the Northern Lights were caused by the government

So are conspiracy theorists actually right for a change? Nope.

On May 21, 2024 by Mikael Thalen

Harrison Ford

Does this video show Harrison Ford praising pro-Palestine protesters?

In numerous posts across social media, Ford is seen giving a speech discussing ‘a new force of nature at hand, stirring all over the world.’

On May 14, 2024 by Mikael Thalen

Does this photo show P. Diddy, Trump, and Epstein with young women?

Does this photo show P. Diddy, Trump, and Epstein with young women?

Facebook users were quick to comment on the post and seemed largely uninterested in whether the image was legitimate.

On May 7, 2024 by Mikael Thalen

Taylor Swift Satanic ritual

Conspiracy theorists think Taylor Swift is performing Satanic rituals

Supporters of Swift were quick to flood the comments of a conspiracy theory video.

On Apr 23, 2024 by Mikael Thalen

Did Matthew McConaughey admit to an ‘initiation process’ in Hollywood?

Matthew McConaughey’s ‘initiation process’ remark has conspiracy theorists losing their minds

While Hollywood is no stranger to controversy, McConaughey’s comment made no reference whatsoever to any devious behavior.

On Apr 16, 2024 by Mikael Thalen

Mel Gibson and Mark Walhberg starting an 'anti-woke' movie studio

No, Mel Gibson and Mark Wahlberg are not starting an anti-woke film studio

The claim first began circulating on Facebook last week.

On Apr 9, 2024 by Mikael Thalen

Conspiracy theorists think Mel Gibson has video of Bill and Hillary engaging in cannibalism

Conspiracy theorists think Mel Gibson has video of Bill and Hillary Clinton engaging in cannibalism

The assertion that they engaged in cannibalism with a gang leader named Barbecue is outright fake.

On Mar 26, 2024 by Mikael Thalen

Texas wildfires blamed on directed energy weapons

Conspiracy theorists are blaming Texas wildfires on ‘Directed Energy Weapons’

As should be obvious, there is no evidence whatsoever that space lasers are causing wildfires.

On Mar 5, 2024 by Mikael Thalen

Japanese Americans in front of posters with internment orders(l), Rohwer Relocation Center, McGehee, Arkansas. A tense moment in a football game between Stockton and Santa Anita teams, find spectators perched everywhere.(r)

Conspiracy theorists think WWII era executive order gives migrants $5k visa gift cards

As you probably guessed, the claim isn’t true.

On Feb 27, 2024 by Mikael Thalen

Conspiracy theorists are now pushing AIDS-denialism

Conspiracy theorists are now pushing AIDS denialism

The conspiracy alleges that Fauci hid the true cause of AIDS because it didn’t go along with his agenda.

On Feb 20, 2024 by Mikael Thalen

Conspiracy theorists think Microsoft will remotely disable their computer for sharing alternative news

Conspiracy theorists think Microsoft will remotely disable their computers to stop misinformation

The claim is fake and came from a fake news site that continues to fool conspiracy theorists online.

On Feb 13, 2024 by Mikael Thalen

Did Taylor Swift call out Trump on X

A fake Taylor Swift post about Trump is duping people

Numerous users appeared to believe that the screenshot was legitimate, using the fake remarks to lash out at Swift.

On Feb 6, 2024 by Mikael Thalen