Popular social media comedian MK Slatt, also known as Marquel Holmes, recently became the subject of false death rumors that spread rapidly across various platforms, especially TikTok. The rumors originated from a viral video but were soon debunked by his cousin and the comedian himself. MK Slatt used his comedic talents to dismiss the claims humorously, highlighting issues of misinformation on social media. Despite recent legal troubles, he continues to enjoy a strong follower base, emphasizing the loyalty of his fans and the influence of humor to diffuse panic.
The Onion has purchased Infowars, the contentious platform created by conspiracy theorist Alex Jones, during a court-mandated bankruptcy auction. This acquisition results from a $1.5 billion defamation case related to Jones' false claims concerning the Sandy Hook shooting. Backed significantly by Sandy Hook victims' families, The Onion intends to use humor and satire to address misinformation. They plan to transform Infowars into a parody site that critiques conspiracy theories and unusual internet personas, with support from notable internet humorists. The revamped website is due to launch in January 2025, with Everytown for Gun Safety as the exclusive advertiser. Jones, under financial duress, has criticized this process but vows to continue broadcasting elsewhere. The acquisition is a pivotal step in the fight against the proliferation of harmful conspiracy narratives in media.