Viral Video of Doctor Denying Care to Patient Allegedly Wearing MAGA Hat Debunked: A Staged Skit
Claim: A viral video circulating on social media platforms purportedly depicted a doctor refusing to provide healthcare to a patient because the patient was wearing a "Make America Great Again" (MAGA) hat. The claim implied that the patient was denied due to political discrimination.
Fact Check:
The video in question is a staged skit, not a legitimate exchange in a healthcare setting. The following evidence supports this claim:
1. Origin of the Video:
The video originated from a TikTok account known as @Thomasgibson31, which specializes in creating comedy skits. The same account shared a similar video of the skit filmed from a different angle two days prior.
2. Inconsistencies in the Video:
Upon closer examination, inconsistencies within the video raise doubts about its authenticity:
- The woman portraying the doctor appears to be suppressing laughter at certain moments.
- The man wearing the MAGA hat also appears in several other videos posted by the same TikTok account, playing different characters.
3. Common Actors and Sets:
Throughout the TikTok account’s videos, there are notable similarities in actors, costumes, and settings:
- The man wearing the MAGA hat acts in multiple other skits, assuming different roles.
- A woman with long brown hair appears in at least two other skits.
- A man with a beard and dark hair appears in at least three other skits.
- The same red and white diner set and red and yellow waitress costumes feature in several videos.
4. Statement from USA TODAY:
USA TODAY, a verified signatory of the International Fact-Checking Network, reached out to the user who shared the video but did not receive an immediate response. The TikTok account that created the skit could not be contacted.
Conclusion:
Based on the available evidence, it is clear that the viral video depicting a doctor denying care to a patient wearing a MAGA hat is a fabricated skit. The video originated from a comedy TikTok account and contains inconsistencies that indicate its staged nature. There is no evidence to support the claim that the patient was denied healthcare due to political discrimination.
It is important to be critical of information shared on social media and to verify its authenticity before amplifying or spreading it. Fact-checking organizations like USA TODAY and Lead Stories play a crucial role in debunking false claims and promoting accurate information.
