FACT CHECK: Were The Obamas Home When Their Private Chef Drowned?
A post shared on Facebook purports former President Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama were home when their private chef, Tafari Campbell, drowned in a pond.
Verdict: False
The claim stems from a Jul. 25 article published by The Gateway Pundit, a website that is known for spreading misinformation, according to The Associated Press. The Massachusetts State Police released a statement indicating the Obamas were not home when Campbell drowned.
Fact Check:
Campbell drowned Sunday near the Obamas’ Martha’s Vineyard home, according to The Associated Press. Campbell was reported missing after he went paddleboarding earlier in the evening and did not resurface after falling into the water, police said, CNN reported.
“So the Story Changes… Barack and Michelle Obama WERE on Martha’s Vineyard when their private chef mysteriously drowned,” the Facebook post purports. The post does not provide a source to support the claim.
The claim is false, however. A keyword search reveals the claim stems from a Jul. 25 article published on the website The Gateway Pundit. The outlet indicates an unknown individual purportedly made a 911 call from the Obamas’ residence late Sunday night. The outlet also cited an article from the Daily Mail that claimed the Obamas initially said they were not home and then later clarified they were on Martha’s Vineyard, just not at their residence when Campbell drowned.
The site is known for spreading misinformation, including claims of voter fraud during the 2020 presidential election, according to The Associated Press.
Likewise, the Massachusetts State Police said the Obamas were not at their residence in a statement they released about the accident.
“The paddle boarder who was recovered from Edgartown Great Road today is identified as Tafari Campbell, 45 (not43/44 as initially reported) of Dumfries, Virginia. Mr. Campbell was employed by former President Obama and was visiting Martha’s Vineyard at the time of his passing. President and Mrs. Obama were not present at the residence at the time of the accident,” the statement read.
In addition, both Fox News and the Boston Globe reported the Obamas were not at their residence when Campbell drowned. (RELATED: Did Joe Biden And Barack Obama Wear Pink Suits To Promote The Barbie Movie?)
The former President and First Lady reacted to Campbell’s death in a Monday night statement, calling him a “person who made all of our lives a little brighter,” according to the Boston Globe.
“When we were getting ready to leave the White House, we asked Tafari to stay with us, and he generously agreed. He’s been part of our lives ever since, and our hearts are broken that he’s gone,” the statement read in part.
Check Your Fact has contacted the Obama Foundation and the Massachusetts State Police for comment and will update this piece accordingly if one is received.
