England rugby ace James Haskell may sue Facebook over ‘fake news’ reporting his SUICIDE
The 75-capped flanker was targeted by fake reports that he was dead and had suffered a steroid overdose
ENGLAND rugby union ace James Haskell may sue Facebook over fake news he killed himself and was a drug cheat.
The lies about the Wasps flanker were part of a scam by a bogus nutrition firm, which earned ad money for the web giant.
Haskell, 32, told how he tried to get Facebook to identify the crooks, who he says were targeting rugby fans to get them to reveal bank details. He said: “It’s horrific. They could not have cared less.”
The sick post that he was dead linked to a fake news site saying he suffered a steroid overdose.
The page was flogging bogus sports nutrition supplements. The culprits had used a post office box in Panama.
Haskell’s lawyer Matt Himsworth said of Facebook: “They just said they weren’t responsible. We haven’t ruled out taking this further.” Haskell ended up making a public video in which he declared: “I am not dead and for those of you who wish I was dead, better luck next time.”
Facebook last night said it took down the posts once it was alerted.
A spokesman said: “We will continue to work towards better transparency and accountability in our advertising products.”