Fake viral post accuses Robert Irwin of refusing to take LGBTQ+ pin
Robert Irwin. (Getty)
Robert Irwin. (Getty)
A social media post accusing Dancing with the Stars‘ Robert Irwin of refusing to wear an LGBTQ+ pin has – unsurprisingly – been confirmed to be fake.
AAP FactCheck confirmed that a viral post about the 21-year-old was fake on Tuesday (21 October). The post in question alleged that the young conservationist and “proud” LGBTQ+ ally, currently dancing through life on the US reality show, DWTS, had recently attended an environmental gala in Sydney.
Irwin “sent ripples through the world” (firstly, apart from AI, who talks like this?), according to the post after supposedly being asked to wear a pin in support of the LGBTQ+ community. The post said he refused, not wanting to engage in “forced symbolism,” a quote the post attributed to Irwin.
As reported by Star Observer, the post also said that Irwin opined “that authentic kindness and respect should never need a slogan or a badge — a stance that immediately divided fans and environmental supporters alike, igniting both outrage and admiration across the nation.”
The post, supposedly garnering more than four million views as of Tuesday, then said, “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.”
AAP FactCheck concluded the post was entirely fake based on the fact that Irwin is currently in the United States competing on DWTS. Add to that there was no such gala at all and Irwin’s record of standing in solidarity with the LGBTQ+ community.
Fact checkers pointed to a 2020 post from Irwin, in regard to the last point, in which the son of Steve Irwin proclaimed himself a “proud” ally. Sharing an image of a rainbow Irwin wrote, “Proud to be an ally of the LGBTQIA+ community this #comingoutday“.
AAP FactCheck added that “the post appears to have originated from an engagement bait page that frequently uses AI-generated content to make false claims about the Irwin family to drive clicks.”
Since taking to the DWTS dance floor Irwin has been tearing it up, getting fans all hot and bothered with one routine in particular. It’s not the first time this year either following his Bonds underwear campaign.
Share your thoughts! Let us know in the comments below, and remember to keep the conversation respectful.
