Robert Irwin has been targeted by a cruel fake post claiming he refused to wear an LGBTQ+ pin.
Numerous publications, including AAP FactCheck, have since confirmed that the claims against the wildlife conservationist, 21, were entirely fabricated, after the post was widely shared on social media.
For those who didn't see it, the Facebook post in question falsely stated that Irwin 'refused to wear a symbolic rainbow pin meant to show solidarity with the LGBTQ community'.
The page bizarrely claimed he called the LGBTQ+ badge 'forced symbolism' and 'declared that authentic kindness and respect should never need a slogan or a badge'.
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The message, which is giving major AI vibes, continued: “In a time when silence is rare and symbolism dominates, Irwin’s decision is being seen by some as an act of courageous independence, and by others as a disappointing rejection of inclusivity. Either way, the young conservationist - known for his compassion, empathy, and advocacy - has suddenly found himself at the center of Australia’s cultural storm."
However, as we say, it's completely fabricated.
Fans of Irwin will know he's not even in Sydney at the moment - he's currently in the United States competing on Dancing With The Stars.
As per Pink News, there was actually no gala at all, not to mention the fact that Irwin has a strong record of standing in solidarity with the LGBTQ+ community.
AAP FactCheck revealed that worryingly, despite it being complete lies, the post has racked up more than four million views and hundreds of comments from users who have fallen for the deception.
They described the account in question 'an engagement bait page that frequently uses AI-generated content to make false claims about the Irwin family to drive clicks'.
As we say, the son of Steve Irwin has long been an LGBTQ+ ally and back in 2020, he even declared this in an Instagram post along with a picture of a rainbow.
Reacting to the news that the claims are fabricated, fans of Irwin penned: "I would never believe that anyway. Robert is a saint" and "This is AI GENERATED."
Others chimed in with: "People need to fact check! He didn’t say this" and "Yeah I’m pretty sure he’s an ally. On the show, Scott was talking about his and his husband‘s baby news, and Robert was in the background cheering for them."
The damaging fake post comes at a time when AI online is rife, with people finding it harder and harder to work out what's real and what's not.
Earlier this month, Jake Paul was forced to respond to viral AI deepfake videos which falsely depict him 'coming out as gay'.
Deepfake videos and photos were circulating online of the boxer and influencer, 28, showing him telling his followers he's gay, as well as others showing him applying makeup, and in a pink ballet costume.
People were so convinced they were real and only realised the truth when Paul addressed the issue directly.
Fans penned: "Wait so that was AI?" and, "Wait so it wasn't real..."
While a another added: "I honestly thought it was true."
Topics: Artificial intelligence, Celebrity, Entertainment, News, Social Media
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Madison Burgess