British Newspaper Retracts False Story on Bill de Blasio Impersonator

The Times of London has removed an article after an impersonator of former New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio misled the publication into reporting a fabricated story. The article, titled “Zohran Mamdani ally Bill de Blasio says his policies ‘don’t add up,’” included quotes attributed to de Blasio expressing concerns about the policy proposals of Democratic mayoral nominee Zohran Mamdani. This incident highlights the challenges of verifying sources in the digital age.

Upon discovering that one of its reporters had been deceived by someone falsely claiming to be de Blasio, The Times of London issued an apology and retracted the article. A statement from the publication clarified, “The Times has apologised to Bill de Blasio and removed the article immediately after discovering that our reporter had been misled by an individual falsely claiming to be the former New York mayor.” This response underscores the newspaper’s commitment to journalistic integrity.

De Blasio reacted strongly to the report, stating on X, “I want to be 100% clear: The story in the Times of London is entirely false and fabricated. It was just brought to my attention and I’m appalled. I never spoke to that reporter and never said those things. Those quotes aren’t mine, don’t reflect my views.” His remarks emphasize the potential consequences of misinformation and the importance of accurate reporting.

In a follow-up message, de Blasio demanded the retraction of the article, describing it as “an absolute violation of journalistic ethics.” He also reiterated his support for Mamdani, asserting, “The truth is I fully support @ZohranKMamdani and believe his vision is both necessary and achievable.” This statement reflects his commitment to supporting the political aspirations of the younger candidate.

The incident raises important questions about the standards of verification in journalism, especially in an era where social media can amplify misinformation rapidly. The Times of London did not respond immediately to requests for further comment on the matter.

As the landscape of media continues to evolve, ensuring the accuracy of information remains paramount. This situation serves as a reminder of the need for rigorous fact-checking and the responsibility that comes with reporting in today’s fast-paced information environment.