President Donald Trump recently suggested that superstar Beyoncé should face prosecution. This claim arose from a totally unfounded allegation that Beyoncé was paid $11 million for endorsing Democratic candidate Kamala Harris.
In a social media post, Trump claimed Beyoncé broke the law, asserting that she received the massive payment. However, there’s absolutely no evidence supporting this. Federal campaign records show a much smaller payment of $165,000 to Beyoncé’s production company for a campaign event. A Harris campaign spokesperson confirmed that they don’t pay celebrities for endorsements but must cover production costs for their appearances.
Interestingly, there’s a trend online where this incorrect $11 million claim has gained traction among Trump’s supporters. Fact-checking organizations like FactCheck.org and PolitiFact have tracked the accusation back to social media where it began circulating, yet no credible source has confirmed it.
Trump previously referenced the $11 million figure during an interview, offering no specific source for his claim. When asked for evidence, the White House didn’t provide any.
Beyoncé’s mother, Tina Knowles, called the claim a “lie,” emphasizing that Beyoncé received no payment for her participation at the Harris rally. Knowles pointed out that the false information was even temporarily removed from Instagram.
Trump has a history of calling for investigations into his political rivals. His recent post ramps up this trend, urging prosecutions based on an unsupported claim. While Trump maintains that paying for endorsements is illegal, there are no existing federal laws prohibiting such arrangements.
This situation illustrates how misinformation can spread and impact political discourse. Vigilance and fact-checking are essential. In a polarized environment, it’s crucial to rely on verified information rather than unsubstantiated claims, especially when powerful figures are involved.