Snopes Debunker - Rumors about Hans Christian Andersen's "The Little Mermaid," Disneyland, and Hurricane Ian

​ FRIDAY EDITION Snopes Debunker Sept. 30, 2022 Trouble Reading? View in Your Browser Today: Rumors about Hans Christian Andersen's "The Little Mermaid," Disneyland, and Hurricane Ian ​ Was ‘The Little Mermaid’ About Hans Christian Andersen’s Unrequited Love for a Man? Recently, Disney announced it was preparing to release a live action remake of its 1989 animated musical hit, “The Little Mermaid.” Due for release in May 2023, the trailer triggered a racist backlash when it revealed the lead character, Ariel, would be played by Halle Bailey, a singer and actress with an exquisite voice, who is Black. Bethania Palma reports. Read Now Fact Checks and Original Reporting Was Disneyland’s Haunted Mansion Hearse Used for Brigham Young’s Funeral?  According to legend, the Disneyland hearse was originally used to carry the religious leader's body from his funeral to his burial place in 1877.  Read Story. Did 69 People Die After Drinking Crocodile-Bile Poison Beer? A rumor claimed that more than 60 people died in Mozambique because they consumed beer that was poisoned with crocodile bile. Read Story. Hurricane Ian: Is Video of Shark Swimming in Flooded Fort Myers Street Real? The video, which went viral instantly, was allegedly shot in the Devonwood neighborhood of Fort Myers, Florida. Read Story. Latest Fact Checks News Fish Fossil Catch from China Includes Oldest Teeth Ever A big catch of fish fossils in southern China includes the oldest teeth ever found — and may help scientists learn how our aquatic ancestors got their bite.  Read More Herd the News? Wild Boar Piglet Adopted by Cows A cow herd in Germany has gained an unlikely following, after adopting a lone wild boar piglet.  Read More Police Uncertain if Girl Killed in Shootout Was Abducted Anthony John Graziano and his daughter, Savannah Graziano, were killed in a shootout with law enforcement on a highway in the high desert east of Los Angeles.  Read More

View Latest News Staff Pick Did Larry Walters Fly in a Lawn Chair Attached to Helium Balloons? The image of a man soaring three miles above Los Angeles in a makeshift "aircraft" has captured the imagination of the internet for decades. Read Story. View All Editors' Picks Keep Snopes Debunking Show your support for Team Snopes by making a one-time contribution today. Contribute Now