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Reports that a Muslim doctor refused to save a Christian man’s life on a flight from New York to Las Vegas are false. Rumors that a doctor declined to treat a dying man because of his beliefs stemmed from a self-described “conservative satire” website.
According to Hoax Alert, the fake claim originated on Daily World Update, a website known for publishing fake news and satire. The article claimed that, while flying to Las Vegas from New York, Dr. Jaleel Kohmeni refused to treat a dying man because of his faith. It purported:
Dr. Jaleel Kohmeni raised his hand when the flight attendant on Delta flight 6978 from New York to Las Vegas asked if there was a doctor on board. He told the attendant that he wasn’t an American and that he preferred another doctor help if possible. Unfortunately, he was the man’s only hope.
As he approached, he could see that the man was barely managing to breathe and going in and out of consciousness. What the doctor did next may seem normal to people where he comes from, but here it was simply disgusting. He leaned over the man and asked him if he believed in God. “Yes,” the man answered, “Jesus Christ is my Lord and Savior.”
At that point, Kohmeni informed the flight attendant that he could only “give the man the comfort of knowing Allah will give him the chance to redeem himself in heaven,” but that he couldn’t help save him.
The report, however, is entirely fabricated. Daily World Update states in their disclaimer, which includes the definition of “satire,” that articles are not meant to be taken seriously:
Everything on this website is fiction. It is not a lie and it is not fake news because it is not real. If you believe that it is real, you should have your head examined. Any similarities between this site’s pure fantasy and actual people, places and events are purely coincidental and all images should be considered altered and satirical.
The fake story is also filled with irrelevant links, including one that sends the reader to a photo that reads, “It’s cool to love Jesus.” Additionally, their satire “rating” and description are listed at the bottom of every page:
Here are some examples of people sharing the fake story on social media:
Social Media Shares Fake Story about Muslim Doctor Refusing to Treat a Christian Man During Flight
Muslim Doctor Refuses To Save A Christian Man’s Life On Flight From New York To Las Vegas https://t.co/IXKE2kPWF6
— Patricia Bride (@PatriciaBride) January 6, 2018
Muslim Doctor Refuses To Save A Christian Man’s Life On Flight From New York To Las Vegas https://t.co/lBOmUjoKOQ
— P.J. Degross (@Pjdahling) January 6, 2018
Muslim Doctor Refuses To Save A Christian Man’s Life On Flight From New York To Las Vegas https://t.co/V3DzuW0ht3
— Should U B In canada (@move2canada) January 6, 2018
Muslim Doctor Refuses To Save A Christian Man’s Life On Flight From New York To Las Vegas https://t.co/fgGL4oosGR
— Cecilia Dean-Bernal (@CcSherree) January 3, 2018
Muslim Doctor Refuses To Save A Christian Man’s Life On Flight From New York To Las Vegas: https://t.co/WfmR8syhO2
— Janet Fitzgerald (@fitzjan317) January 3, 2018
Have you seen the fake story about a Muslim doctor refusing to save a Christian man’s life on a flight from New York to Las Vegas circulating social media? What are your thoughts on these self-described satire websites? Sound off in the comments section below!
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