Hi guys, in case you didn't know, I'm a news reporter in Hampton, N.H. at www.seacoastonline.com
A satirical Facebook news org posted a story last week about a ficticious syphilis outbreak at Hampton Beach and numerous other Seacoast destinations. They also jokingly reported the Wentworth by the Sea hotel in New Castle, N.H., was closed and being used as a makeshift hospital to treat syphilis patients.
The Hampton Beach officials got calls from tourists who saw this shortly after and freaked out. They posted a response that claimed the fake news org's joke was libel since it caused some to question whether the beach was safe - at least numerous people who don't know how one contracts syphilis.
Here is the beach officials' full response:
"It has come to our attention that a Facebook posting by a so-called "news" network known as the Nashua News Network, alleged that there was an outbreak of syphilis, a sexually transmitted disease, at Hampton Beach. It was also directed toward Rye Beach and Salisbury Beach, Old Orchard Beach and additionally, they claimed that the Wentworth by the Sea was aiding victims.
There is NO truth to ANY of these claims and this so-called news network is in fact not a real news network.
If you do any basic research via google, you will find that syphilis can ONLY be spread sexually through bodily fluids. It cannot be spread through the air (via coughing, sneezing, etc.) or through toilet seats, door knobs or other similar surfaces, swimming pools, hot tubs, bathtubs, shared clothing, drinking from the same cup or bottle, or by sharing eating utensils. The bacteria can only be spread through body secretions.
This alleged news network claims this is satire but it could be considered libel (a false written statement that damages the reputation of a person, a business or group of businesses, such as the businesses that make up the Hampton Beach Chamber of Commerce or the Hampton Beach Village District). It is punishable in the state of New Hampshire and could be considered a misdemeanor.
If you have any further questions please contact us privately by direct message and we would be happy to calm your fears and provide any additional information you need."
Facebook took the post down after beach officials reported it.
Here is my full story: http://m.seacoastonline.com/news/20160725/satirical-story-about-std-angers-hampton-beach-officials
So what do you guys think? Was the fake news org at fault or exercising their right to make a joke? To put it into context, the Hampton Beach syphilis post was among other posts including those stating a local bar's foosball table was ready for use in the 2016 Olympics and that Hampton Beach is home to the largest crab population (accompanied by photo of an actual crab).
Let's start a discussion in the comments below:
