NBC retracts erroneous Paul Pelosi story that fueled conspiracy theories

[Nevilledog]

https://www.washingtonpost.com/media/2022/11/05/nbc-paul-pelosi-retracted-story/

No paywall
https://archive.ph/E0c1j

NBC News reporter Miguel Almaguer had what seemed like a scoop on Friday about an intruder’s attack last week on Paul Pelosi. The curious new details he presented on the “Today” show quickly went viral on right-wing sites and social-media accounts.

One problem: Much of Almaguer’s account was inaccurate, based on flawed information provided by a source who was unnamed in the report, according to people at the network. Those people said Almaguer was incorrect when he reported that the husband of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) gave police no indication he was in danger when he answered the door. In fact, San Francisco police have said that Pelosi was struggling with the intruder, David DePape, when they first saw him.

But before NBC News’ hasty removal of the video from its website — accompanied by a vague note that the story “did not meet NBC News reporting standards” — it spawned a sinister new narrative.

Like a match on a tinder-dry wood pile, the NBC story fed the unfounded speculation and conspiracy theories that have been swirling around the incident ever since the Oct. 28 home-invasion assault.

Within minutes of Almaguer’s broadcast Friday morning, conservative commentators jumped on it as supposed proof of a politically motivated coverup. “This story keeps getting weirder,” radio host Clay Travis told his 1 million Twitter followers over a clip of Almaguer on “Today.”

*snip*

[cilla4progress]

1. Fucking irresponsible.

Just going for eyeballs.

Thanks, NBC, for taking US down the shithole.

[Celerity]

2. Miguel Almaguer needs to be sacked ASAP

[exboyfil]

5. Next stop Fox News

And he can join Brett Baier who reported days before the 2016 election that Hillary Clinton was going to be indicted.

Our country is being destroyed.

[agingdem]

3. NBC should maybe

corroborate twelve different ways before over-eager reporters spew bullshit conspiracy garbage on the air..you know, measure twice cut once...just saying

[Just A Box Of Rain]

4. Highlights why responsible news organizations should thoroughly vet their stories

before they report them.

Some people don't seem to grasp this concept.

[Mr.Bill]

6. Before sunrise the morning after the incident

conservative websites said that guy was a male prostitute that frequently visits Paul Pelosi, he didn't break in, he was invited, both men were in their underwear when the police arrived, they had a lover's quarrel that turned violent, Pelosi was shit-faced drunk, etc.

And to this moment, the people on these websites believe every word of that and they will never be convinced otherwise until their dying day. Don't wast your time. Any other reports in the press will be fake news, and if the video from the Capitol Police surveillance cameras were shown they will say those are actors.

[underpants]

7. Yep this has been incredible to track.

The rabbit holes have been extensive.

[underpants]

8. The Today Show used to be a big and real deal

I remember Barbara Walters interviewing Sadat Kissinger or Arafat as we got ready in the morning. Now it’s like a cooking show.

[Lucinda]

9. ❤️ ✿❧🌿❧✿ ❤️