The claim about some high-powered stars aligning with Stevie Wonder’s Florida boycott over the “stand your ground” law started on social networks — IN ALL CAPS, with misspelled names and without sources.
Graphics on Facebook and Instagram name two dozen artists that have canceled tour dates in Florida indefinitely “UNTIL THE LAW IN FLORIDA IS ABOLISHED!” The list is populated with world-famous acts such as Justin Timberlake, Jay Z, Rihanna, Rod Stewart, Patti LaBelle and the Rolling Stones, among other groups. Timberlake is said to have called off a stop in Miami because he refused “TO ENTERTAIN A STATE WHO’S GOVERNMENT ALLOWS PEOPLE TO SHOOT-N-KILL UN-ARMED TEENAGERS!”
Before long, thanks to a little mainstream coverage, it took off like a rocket into the blogosphere.
PolitiFact looked into it and found little to no accuracy in the rumor.
(Spoiler: the Justin Timberlake + Jay Z show at Sun Life Stadium on Aug. 16 is still a go.)
TheConfirmationFiles 