Timeline India

Category: Fact Check

  • Viral Video Claiming Jessica Radcliffe Killed by Orca Debunked as Fake

    August 11, 2025: A widely shared video claiming that 23-year-old marine trainer Jessica Radcliffe was fatally attacked by an orca during a live show has been debunked as a fabrication. Circulating on platforms like TikTok and Facebook, the clip, which some versions claim was triggered by Radcliffe’s menstrual blood in the water, has been viewed millions of times but lacks any credible evidence.

    No Record of Jessica Radcliffe or the Incident

    Investigations reveal no trace of Jessica Radcliffe in media reports, marine park records, or occupational safety databases. Fact-checking outlets, including Vocal Media and Kenyan news site The Star, have confirmed the absence of obituaries, official statements from marine parks, or any documentation of a similar incident. The Star also noted that the video’s audio, including crowd reactions, appears to be AI-generated, adding to its deceptive nature.

    Fabricated Video Using AI and Old Footage

    The viral clip is a product of manipulated older footage combined with artificial intelligence and computer-generated imagery (CGI). It uses staged captions, AI-generated crowd noises, and carefully edited visuals to create a convincing but false narrative. The name “Jessica Radcliffe” is likely fictional, designed to give the story a veneer of authenticity.

    Historical Context of Orca Incidents

    While the Radcliffe video is a hoax, real tragedies involving orcas and trainers have occurred. In 2010, SeaWorld trainer Dawn Brancheau was killed by the orca Tilikum in Orlando, an incident highlighted in the 2013 documentary Blackfish, which sparked debate over captive marine mammals. Other cases include the 2009 death of Spanish trainer Alexis Martinez, killed by an orca named Keto during a rehearsal, and a 1991 incident in Canada where a trainer was dragged underwater by three orcas. These rare but tragic events underscore the risks of working with highly intelligent and powerful orcas, also known as killer whales.

    Public Urged to Verify Information

    The fabricated video serves as a reminder of the dangers of viral misinformation, particularly when amplified by realistic AI-generated content. Authorities and fact-checkers urge the public to verify claims through credible sources before sharing. No evidence supports the existence of Jessica Radcliffe or the alleged orca attack, confirming the story as a hoax designed to exploit social media engagement.

  • Does the video show iron mixed in gold jewellery sold in Kalyan Jewellers in Dubai? What’s the truth?

    Claim

    Kalyan Jewellers closed and banned both in Kuwait and Dubai as iron was found in their gold jewellery Indian govt should investigate immediately to stop cheating people

    Detailed Explanation

    According to a 1:04 video that has gone viral on social media, iron was found mixed in the jewellery during inspections at Kalyan Jewellers in Kuwait and Dubai, leading to the closure of the business in both countries.

    What’s the truth?

    We used Google Reverse Image search to track down the viral video. We discovered that on November 21, 2017, a viral video called “Gold Counterfeiting” was uploaded by the Malainine Bella YouTube page. So it turns out that this video has been circulating on social media since 2017.

    Further investigation revealed a post by Kalyan Jewellers on its X page dated July 24, 2025. As per the post, “Let’s say no to spreading fake news on social media. The perpetrators behind the fake news on Kalyan Jewellers were arrested in 2018. We always prioritise customers, as evidenced by our 4 Level Assurance Certificate.”

    Subsequently, we found an article by The News Minute reported on March 30, 2018, under the headline “Dubai cops act on those spreading fake news on quality of Kalyan Jewellers gold”. It stated that the Dubai Public Prosecution has ordered Dubai Police to initiate criminal proceedings against five people for spreading false information about Kalyan Jewellers. It further added that this action was taken based on a complaint filed by the company and that all five accused are of Indian origin.

    Conclusion:

    Thus, we infer that, based on our research, the video spreading on social media has been available since 2017. According to a statement issued by Kalyan Jewellers in 2018, “five people have been arrested in connection with this incident.”