Snopes Debunker - Neil Young's use of homophobic slurs, Punxsutawney Phil's age, and that rumor about Trudeau and unvaccinated relatives

​ THURSDAY EDITION Snopes Debunker Feb. 3, 2022 Today: Neil Young's use of homophobic slurs, Punxsutawney Phil's age, and that rumor about Trudeau and unvaccinated relatives ​ Did Neil Young Use Homophobic Slurs When Talking About AIDS? Musician Neil Young generated headlines last month, when he asked that his music be removed from Spotify in protest over COVID-19 misinformation on the streaming platform. His decision was prompted by Joe Rogan spreading COVID-19 misinformation on “The Joe Rogan Experience” podcast. In response, the 76-year-old rocker released a statement saying, “They can have Rogan or Young. Not both.” Nur Ibrahim reports. Read More Fact Checks and Original Reporting How Old Is Punxsutawney Phil? According to legend, the world's most famous groundhog has been predicting the weather since 1886. Read Story. Did Trudeau Tell Canadians to Stop Talking to Unvaccinated Relatives? This doctored message was widely spread by supporters of the "freedom convoy." Read Story. Did Video Show Gosar Wave from US Capitol Window on Jan. 6? Other versions of the same rumor claimed that the video instead showed Republican Rep. Andy Biggs or Randy Weber. Read Story. View Latest Fact Checks Ad-free Snopes Is Here! Snopes' first political newsletter is here! The biweekly newsletter includes healthy chunks of political content from both Snopes.com and OTI. But don’t expect just another wonky newsletter written by Beltway insiders. We’re offering up something refreshingly different. You can expect a touch of snark, a healthy dose of skepticism, and a relentless focus on facts. Subscribe to OnTheIssues News 4 Charged After Overdose Death of Actor Michael K. Williams The man seen on camera handing Williams the drugs on a Brooklyn sidewalk, Irvin Cartagena, was charged with directly causing the actor’s death. Read More Shuster to Become 1st Curler to Carry US Flag at Olympics Before he throws a stone at the Beijing Games, John Shuster will become the first curler to carry the American flag in an Olympic opening ceremony. Read More Meta, Formerly Facebook, Faces Historic Drop As Stock Tanks Meta’s shares fell more than 23%, lopping off more than $200 million of the company’s overall value. Read More

View Latest News Can You Help Us Out? We rely on support from readers like you. Support Now Staff Pick ​ Did a Millionaire Fire His Bank Because It Did Not Validate Parking? Next time a clerk looks down his nose at you, tell him about John Barrier and the Washington State bank. Read More View Editor's Picks