Viral Rumor Debunked: No Evidence of Maddow, Muir, and Kimmel Launching Independent News Platform
By Grok News Desk December 25, 2025
A widely circulated online rumor claiming that prominent broadcasters Rachel Maddow, David Muir, and Jimmy Kimmel have teamed up to launch a revolutionary independent news platform—free from corporate influence, advertising, and editorial constraints—has been confirmed as false by multiple fact-checking sources.
news.yale.edu
Flagging misinformation on social media reduces engagement, study …
Examples of misleading social media posts and thumbnails spreading unsubstantiated rumors about media personalities.
The claim, often titled with dramatic phrases like “The Real Room” or similar, alleges the trio quit their high-profile network roles to create an “unfiltered” venture promising fearless journalism. Variations have proliferated on social media and low-credibility sites since mid-2025, sparking intense speculation and division among viewers.
calmatters.org
link.springer.com
Sensational headlines and fabricated graphics typical of misinformation campaigns targeting high-profile figures.
Fact-checks from outlets like Snopes, Lead Stories, and others trace these stories to anonymous or recently registered websites lacking credible sourcing. No official statements, press releases, or confirmations from Maddow (MSNBC/MS NOW), Muir (ABC World News Tonight), or Kimmel (Jimmy Kimmel Live!) support the rumor. Similar false claims involving Maddow with other hosts have been debunked previously.
newsweek.com
abcnews.go.com
latimes.com
Rachel Maddow (left), David Muir (center), and Jimmy Kimmel (right) continue their respective roles without indication of a joint project.
As of late 2025, Maddow hosts on MS NOW amid network rebranding, Muir anchors ABC’s flagship evening news, and Kimmel leads late-night on ABC. Industry changes—like MSNBC’s evolution and late-night transitions—have fueled speculation, but no collaboration exists.
This hoax highlights ongoing challenges with misinformation, where emotional appeals and “insider” narratives drive viral spread despite lacking evidence. Audiences are reminded to verify through reputable sources.
sciencedirect.com
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Illustrative examples of how disinformation proliferates on digital platforms.
