On Saturday, social media has been flooded with claims that an orca killed whale trainer Jessica Radcliffe during a live show.
People also claimed that the accident was caught on camera. But there’s no truth to it.
Fact-checks reveal Radcliffe is a completely fictional character. No police reports, marine park statements, or credible footage exist to back the claim.
The viral posts follow a familiar hoax formula: clickbait headlines, old unrelated videos, and AI-generated images repackaged as breaking news.
Part of why the story fooled many is its similarity to real tragedies, such as the deaths of Dawn Brancheau (2010) and Alexis Martínez (2009).
These genuine cases give the hoax a false air of credibility, making it sound plausible to anyone aware of the risks of working with orcas.
Experts warn that while this may seem like a harmless viral tale, it distorts public understanding of genuine marine safety issues and animal welfare debates. It also undermines trust in reliable news sources and exploits the memory of real victims, adding to the pain of their families.
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