The Twittersphere has been buzzing this week about a less-than-elaborate digital hoax that claimed former 49ers great Joe Montana died in a car accident.
The internet rumor was sparked by the Web site Global Associated News, which runs a disclaimer that says, in part, all of its stories are “100% FAKE! this is an entertainment website, and this is a totally fake article based on zero truth and is a complete work of fiction for entertainment purposes!”
That disclaimer didn’t prevent internet over-reaction. A search on Twitter for the hashtag #JoeMontana had all sorts of tweets about Montana’s alleged death, including people retweeting the same old false news as late as Friday afternoon. Others were tweeting apologies as they realized it was a hoax.
According to the Web site ASK, the Global Associated News was created by the Web site Fake A Wish, which allows people “to send fake news reports to their friends.” Other celebrities who have been victimized include golfer Tiger Woods and actor Eddie Murphy.
