Hollywood actor John Leguizamo recently faced backlash for disseminating false information regarding former President Donald Trump’s injury from an assassination attempt. Leguizamo, a temporary host on Comedy Central’s The Daily Show, posted an old photo of Trump on social media, insinuating that Trump was not hurt during the incident.
The photo, taken in September 2022, shows Trump’s right ear unharmed. This image was misleadingly used by Leguizamo to suggest that Trump’s injury was fabricated. X’s community notes quickly fact-checked the post, providing links to articles confirming the photo’s actual date and context. The photo features Trump with then-Ohio senatorial candidate J.D. Vance during a rally in Ohio.
Despite the correction, Leguizamo did not remove the post, which included a caption mocking Trump: “Not even a scratch! But milk it for all you can!” This comment drew criticism, especially given the serious nature of the recent assassination attempt.
During the Pennsylvania rally, Trump was shot in the ear but sustained only minor injuries. Images of Trump with blood dripping from his ear and face, while he yelled, “Fight! Fight! Fight!” have circulated widely. Trump’s declaration on Monday that Vance would be his vice-presidential pick further brought the old photo into the spotlight.
Adding to the controversy, actor Mark Hamill, known for his role in Star Wars, also suggested that Trump’s injury was staged. These accusations from Hollywood figures have fueled debates on social media about the ethics of spreading misinformation.
The incident highlights the potential harm of sharing outdated or misleading images, especially in the context of significant political events. As public figures, actors like Leguizamo and Hamill have a responsibility to ensure the accuracy of the information they share with their audiences.
