Fact Check: Did Tom Cruise mention Jewish links to 9/11 at FIFA speech?
EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY: During the FIFA World Cup finals, where Hollywood actor Tom Cruise gave an emotional speech, a rumor began circulating on social media platforms claiming that the actor said in his speech that Jews didn't go to the World Trade Center on 9/11. The claim has sparked surprise and confusion among many, prompting a fact-check.
Claim: Tom Cruise mentions 9/11 conspiracy theories at FIFA World Cup speech
According to the viral claim, Cruise, during his speech at the FIFA World Cup finals, made a strange declaration stating, “No Jewish employee went to work on September 11, 2001, at the World Trade Center.”
The alleged statement reflects the common conspiracy theory alleging that Israel and Mossad played a role in the tragic 9/11 event that destroyed the towers.
The post has garnered more than four million views as of this writing, with many appearing to agree with him, indicating they believe the claim to be true.
Fact Check: Tom Cruise made no mention of 9/11 in his speech
The claim, however, is false, as the ‘Mission: Impossible’ actor made no such remark during his emotional speech at the World Cup finals.
A look at the videos and transcripts of the actor's speech showed that no mention of 9/11 was made during the event.
A search on Google for the claim yielded no credible reports by prominent news, sports, or entertainment media outlets about the claim, which, if true, would have made headlines.
Tom Cruise hails soccer as a force that 'unites' people
Cruise appeared on stage and addressed the crowd, saying, “More than 30 days ago, eight nations began a journey. They crossed oceans, they crossed borders, they crossed cultures, and together they showed us why this game belongs to the world."
"We have witnessed greatness, and we have shared in moments of joy. Moments of hope, moments we will all never forget. Football is a language spoken without words, a force that unites people, that turns strangers into friends, and reminds us of what we all have in common," he added.
"Today, only two teams remain. These stories belong to each and every one of us, to every nation, to every player, to every supporter, to every volunteer, to every dream carried on the pitch."
"Let us celebrate a tournament that brought the world together. Let us celebrate each other. This is football. This is unity. And this – this is greatness," he concluded.
