No, Tiger Woods Didn’t Say Harris’ ‘Fake Black Accent’ Is ‘Offensive’

In early September 2024, a misleading rumor began circulating that pro golfer Tiger Woods had made disparaging comments about U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris’ accent. The claim suggested that Woods had criticized Harris for adopting a “fake Black accent,” labeling it as “embarrassing and extremely offensive.” This assertion spread widely across social media platforms, including Facebook and X, and was even cited by rapper Uncle Luke in a video condemning Woods for the alleged remarks.

However, a closer examination reveals that this claim is unfounded. The rumor originated from a satirical Facebook page called American Liberty, which is part of the America’s Last Line of Defense (ALLOD) network. This network is known for creating fictional and satirical content, often with the intention of misleading readers by presenting fabricated stories as real news.

American Liberty’s Facebook page explicitly states in its introduction that it is “A subsidiary of the ALLOD network of trollery,” and clearly describes its content as not being real. The page’s satirical nature is emphasized by its disclaimer, which asserts that everything posted is fictional, and any resemblance to actual people, places, or events is purely coincidental. It further warns readers that if they believe the content is real, they should consider reassessing their judgment.

The false narrative about Woods’ supposed comments on Harris’ accent was further fueled by a broader conversation among some right-wing media outlets and political figures. For instance, Fox News’ Peter Doocy questioned White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre about changes in Harris’ accent during her public appearances, suggesting that it sounded like a Southern accent. Jean-Pierre’s response was one of confusion, indicating she was unaware of what Doocy was referring to.

The rumor’s spread highlights the impact of satirical and fictional content on public discourse, particularly when it is mistaken for genuine news. Similar instances from the ALLOD network include a previous false claim about Harris being fired from a McDonald’s job for theft, which was also debunked.

It is crucial for readers to critically evaluate sources of information, especially when dealing with content from entities known for satire or fictional storytelling. Recognizing the origins and nature of such content can help in distinguishing between real news and fabricated narratives designed to mislead or provoke.