A headline from a satirical article saying that billionaire Elon Musk cut millions in funding to the Boy Scouts of America after the organization announced a name change to “Scouting America” has misled social media users.
The posts garnered comments such as: “Every time they change rules they go bankrupt” and “That is horrible what is wrong you are All evil.”
On May 7, 2024, the Boy Scouts of America said it would be known, opens new tab as “Scouting America” from Feb. 8, 2025. The historically boys-only organization said the move shows its commitment to include every youth in America while celebrating five years of welcoming girls into its programs.
The viral posts surfaced amid backlash, opens new tab on social media, opens new tab over the Boy Scouts’ rebrand.
The headline originally appeared in a May 12 article, opens new tab on the Esspots website, which describes itself, opens new tab as a “one-stop destination for satirical news and commentary.”
The article quotes Musk as having posted on X that the new inclusive policies of Scouting America are “a betrayal of core values.”
The statement is not visible on Musk’s X account, opens new tab or in web archives from May., opens new tab There are no credible news reports about Musk pulling support, opens new tab for the organization – or of his having pledged support, opens new tab in the first place.
Boy Scouts of America said in an email that the posts have “absolutely no basis in truth.”
The organization says it is funded, opens new tab through registration fees, local council service fees and contributions from individuals.
The press team at X replied: “Busy now, please check back later.”
Reuters has previously addressed Esspots articles satirizing controversy over “woke” culture that were misrepresented online as authentic news.
