A Parody Account Fuels False Claim About Pete Buttigieg and HIV

It’s not always what it seems. A tweet spreading a false claim about Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg’s HIV status highlights the enduring stigma surrounding the virus, particularly among gay men.

On Oct. 1, a tweet read, "BREAKING: Pete Buttigieg reveals that he is HIV-positive." The post, which garnered over a million views, was shared by a parody account @Breaking911OnX. The account, which describes itself as a "Parody artist," regularly posts unsubstantiated claims. For some, the joke is obvious, as demonstrated by a tweet posted on the same day: "BREAKING: J.D. Vance spits on palms before shaking Tim Walz's hand at vice presidential debate."

Buttigieg, one of the most prominent openly gay U.S. politicians, never made any such announcement about contracting HIV. Despite this, the false claim continued to be spread by large accounts on X, including Stew Peters, a conservative radio host who has been fact-checked for sharing misinformation.

The History of HIV Stigma

This claim is rooted in historic stigma around gay men and HIV. HIV, which stands for human immunodeficiency virus, is spread through bodily fluids, most commonly during unprotected sex or sharing drug injection equipment. Left untreated, the virus can cause AIDS. The virus began spreading in the U.S. in the early 1980s, largely among gay and bisexual men. While anyone can contract HIV, the stigma for gay men persists today.

Understanding the Risks and Prevention

Gay and bisexual men still remain at high risk for contracting HIV, but people can take many steps to prevent infection. These include using condoms, getting tested regularly, and accessing pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), a medication that can prevent HIV infection.

The Ongoing Impact of Misinformation

The false claim about Buttigieg highlights the persistent impact of misinformation, which can be particularly harmful in the case of public health issues. Spreading false information about HIV reinforces harmful stereotypes and discourages people from getting tested and treated.

Take Action to Combat Misinformation

In a world of wild talk and fake news, help us stand up for the facts.

It’s Time to Separate Fact from Fiction

Remember this simple rule: You know what they say: Beware of "breaking" news on X. When you see a claim that seems too good to be true, especially on social media, take a step back and verify it before sharing it. By doing so, we can all help combat the spread of misinformation and promote a more informed public discourse.