FACT CHECK: Viral Instagram Image Does Not Authentically Show Fire Damage In Los Angeles
A viral image shared on Instagram purports to show a Lamborghini amid damage from the recent fires in Los Angeles.
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Verdict: False
The image is not authentic but a three-dimensional (3D) render and was originally shared on Instagram on Jan. 9. The social media user who shared the image confirmed it was a 3D render to Check Your Fact via Instagram direct messages.
Fact Check:
Around 82,000 people remain under mandatory evacuation orders amid the recent fires in California, according to ABC News. Firefighters are battling the fires across 45 square miles of Los Angeles County, the outlet reported.
The Instagram image, which has received over 10,000 likes as of writing, purports to show a Lamborghini amid damage from the recent fires in Los Angeles.
“A Lamborghini picture during the Los Angeles fires,” an archived version of the post’s caption reads. “It looks like it could be a GTA VI loading screen. Wishing strength and safety during this challenging time. Stay strong!” it continues.
The claim is false. The viral Instagram image does not authentically show a Lamborghini amid damage from the recent Los Angeles fires but instead is a 3D render. The image, which was originally shared on Instagram via a Jan. 9 post from the user @thedizzyviper, included a disclaimer stating it was a 3D render. The social media user who shared the image is a 3D artist, according to their bio.
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Likewise, Check Your Fact did not find the image referenced in any credible news reports about the recent fires in Los Angeles. Actually, the opposite is true. On Jan. 14, USA Today debunked the image, indicating it was not authentic. The outlet traced the image back to the same Instagram post.
Furthermore, the Instagram user who shared the image confirmed it was a 3D render to Check Your Fact via Instagram direct messages.
“The image I posted is not a real picture nor is it based off of a real image: it is 100% 3d (as mentioned in my original post) it is part of my art project ‘everydays’ [sic] where i [sic] create one 3d render every single day. And yes i [sic] am the creator,” the user said.
The Palisades, Eaton, and Hurst fires began on Jan. 7, according to USA Today. The Santa Ana winds likely helped the fires to spread, the outlet reported. (RELATED: No, This Video Does Not Show Looting During Los Angeles Wildfires)
Check Your Fact has contacted the Instagram user who shared the post for comment.
