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On March 24, 2020, Business Standard News published an article positing that televangelist Pat Robertson blamed oral sex for the spread of COVID-19 coronavirus disease: This item was not a factual recounting of real-life events. The article originated with a website that describes its output as being humorous or satirical in nature, as follows: While the Business Standard News carries a disclaimer labeling its content as fiction, many people encountered this rumor on social media when a screenshot of the article was shared without any mention of its satirical origins. This false rumor received a viral boost when it was shared by celebrities Patricia Arquette and Chelsea Peretti. Televangelist Pat Robertson did not blame oral sex for the COVID-19 pandemic. The rumor originated with a satire article that was commenting on Robertson's penchant for linking catastrophes to perceived human failings. For background, here is why we sometimes write about satire/humor.
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