What's Happening?
A rumor circulated online in early 2026 claiming that actor Robert De Niro stated he had 'no choice' but to leave New York City following the inauguration of Zohran Mamdani as mayor. The rumor suggested that De Niro was leaving because the new administration
intended to take a significant portion of his savings due to his wealth. However, Snopes has debunked this claim, identifying it as originating from a network known for satire and parody. The rumor was spread by social media pages that explicitly describe their content as fictional and satirical, with no real quotes or statements from De Niro.
Why It's Important?
This incident highlights the ongoing issue of misinformation and the role of satire in spreading false narratives. Such rumors can influence public perception and contribute to political discourse, especially when they involve high-profile figures like Robert De Niro. The spread of this rumor underscores the importance of verifying information before accepting it as fact, particularly in the context of political changes and public figures. It also reflects the challenges faced by fact-checking organizations in combating misinformation in the digital age.
