FACT CHECK: Does This Image Show LateNighter Article Reporting That Molly Shannon Called Catholicism ‘A Cancer’?

October 30th, 2024
US actress Molly Shannon attends the premiere event for the Shotwime comedy series "I Love That For You" at the Pacific Design Center in West Hollywood on April 27, 2022. (Photo by Patrick T. FALLON / AFP) (Photo by PATRICK T. FALLON/AFP via Getty Images)

An image shared on Facebook allegedly shows a headline from LateNighter, a site that covers late night TV-related news, that reads “Molly Shannon: Catholicism is a cancer, destroying the progressive society we built.”

 

Verdict: False

This image has been digitally altered. The genuine article it was edited from can be found on the LateNighter website and has nothing to do with Catholicism.

Fact Check: 

Former Roman Catholic Archbishop Carlo Maria Vigano wrote an open letter to American Catholics warning that voting for Vice President Kamala Harris would be a “sin” and suggested that she “obeys Satan,” according to Fox News. Vigano, a former Vatican leader who was excommunicated earlier this year, said former President Donald Trump is “the only possible choice,” the outlet reported.

An image appears to show an article from LateNighter reporting that actress Molly Shannon insulted Catholicism. The alleged article features a photo of the comedian in a yellow top with a green background.

“Molly Shannon: Catholicism is a cancer, destroying the progressive society we built,” the alleged headline reads. The article appears to be dated April 19, 2024 and shows an image of Shannon smiling.

This is not a genuine article, however. It’s been edited from a LateNighter article with the same publication date and featured image of Shannon. Its headline actually reads, “Molly Shannon Reunites With SNL Scribe For New HBO Series.”

“As the editor of LateNighter and author of the article in question, I can absolutely assure you that this is NOT a genuine LateNighter article,” LateNighter editor-in-chief Jennifer Wood told Check Your Fact via email, also referencing a Reuters fact check on the same claim.

There are no credible news reports matching the headline from LateNighter or any other outlets. (RELATED: Do Catholics Believe Communion Wafer ‘Represents’ Christ’s Blood And Body?)

Anna Mock

Fact Check Reporter