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Headline altered to make unfounded claim about LeBron James, Diddy | Fact check


The claim: Image shows news outlet headline on a Diddy and LeBron James sex tape

A Sept. 23 Facebook post (direct link, archive link) shows what appears to be a headline from the Spanish news outlet Marca about NBA star LeBron James and embattled music mogul Sean "Diddy" Combs.

"Video of LeBron James & Diddy's Sextape continue to emerge. What is the most recent video scandal?" the purported headline reads. "The Lakers star continues to sink into controversy over the case of the fallen producer."

The post was shared more than 500 times in four days.

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Our rating: Altered

The headline is an altered version of a genuine Marca headline that does not mention a sex tape. There is no evidence of any sex tape involving James and Combs.

Combs, James sex tape claims unfounded

Combs, who for months has faced lawsuits from victims who alleged that he sexually abused them, was arrested in New York on Sept. 16. He was charged with sex trafficking, transportation to engage in prostitution and racketeering conspiracy.

Combs pleaded not guilty to the charges. He is being held in jail without bail, and his next hearing is Oct. 9.

While stories continue to come out about the rapper and music producer, there are no credible news reports about any sex tape involving him and James.

The word "sextape" in the altered image is written in a different font than the rest of the line, a sign that it was digitally added to the image.

Indeed, the remaining words are consistent with a genuine Marca headline published on March 28 that reads, "Videos of LeBron James at Diddy's parties continue to emerge. What is the most recent video scandal?" The purported Marca headline in the post is not found on Marca's website.

Fact check: Celebrities' social media cleanses unrelated to Diddy arrest

The March 28 Marca article details how James' relationship with Combs, which dates back several years, has been under scrutiny following the music entertainer's legal troubles. But there is nothing in the report about any sex tape.

USA TODAY has previously addressed misinformation about Diddy, including an altered image that shows him posing with Vice President Kamala Harris and a false claim that celebrities Megan Fox, Usher and Pink deleted social media posts after he was arrested.

USA TODAY reached out to the user who shared the post for comment but did not immediately receive a response.

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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Headline about LeBron James, Diddy is altered | fact check

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