Simone Biles became the unexpected focus of a viral hoax late Monday night, after false reports circulated across social media claiming the Olympic gymnastics legend had been hospitalized following a car crash in Houston.
The 28-year-old was said to have been involved in a “serious crash” on Interstate 45, with fabricated headlines and edited images quickly sparking panic among fans.
The false story was widely shared on Twitter, TikTok, and even appeared in fake “breaking news” banners across several websites.
However, there is no truth to these alarming claims. Biles was not in a car accident, has not been hospitalized, and is safe and well. The entire story was the result of a viral hoax designed to generate clicks and social media engagement.
How the Simone Biles car crash hoax went viral
One of the main sources of the false report was the website liveatop.com, which published a detailed but completely fabricated account of the supposed accident.
The report claimed the incident happened around 9:40 PM local time on Interstate 45 in Houston, when a pickup truck allegedly lost control and struck Biles‘ SUV.
The article described a dramatic scene involving emergency services extricating Biles from her vehicle and rushing her to Memorial Hermann Hospital.
It even featured a fake quote from a hospital spokesperson saying: “She’s in good hands and receiving the best possible care. Her condition is stable, and she is surrounded by loved ones.”
Despite the level of detail provided, no official police report, hospital confirmation, or statement from Biles or her representatives ever supported the claims.
The hoax gained traction thanks to doctored images and the use of dramatic language that mirrored legitimate news coverage. In the social media age, misinformation can travel rapidly – particularly when it involves a beloved public figure like Simone Biles.
No official sources confirm the fake car crash story
As of Tuesday morning, there remains no credible evidence to support any part of the viral car crash claims. Local Houston police did not report any such incident involving Biles, and reputable news outlets have not published any reports corroborating the hoax.
This latest incident highlights the dangers of viral misinformation online – especially when it concerns high-profile athletes and celebrities.
Fans were quick to express their relief once it became clear the story was fabricated, but many also voiced frustration at the ease with which false information spreads.
For now, Simone Biles remains focused on her gymnastics career and personal life, completely unaffected by the baseless rumors circulating online.
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