Fact Check: Is photo of Carrie Underwood in Ku Klux Klan robe real?
WASHINGTON, DC: A post circulating online, and claiming to show country music star Carrie Underwood wearing a Ku Klux Klan robe and hood, has sparked controversy and debate across social media platforms.
The image gained traction on January 13, coinciding with reports that Underwood will perform "America the Beautiful" at President-elect Donald Trump's inauguration on January 20.
Photo of Carrie Underwood in controversial outfit spreads on social media
However, a closer examination reveals that the photo is not what it seems.
The image, which shows a woman in a robe and hood resembling those worn by members of the Ku Klux Klan, was quickly shared and captioned by social media users, with claims that it would be Underwood’s outfit for the inauguration.
The photo was widely spread across platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Reddit, Threads, TikTok, and X (formerly Twitter), where users discussed the supposed attire, often using the hashtag #InaugurationOutfit.
A reverse-image search on the photo revealed its true origins.
It was initially posted by an X (formerly Twitter) user on January 13 with the caption: "Sneak preview of Carrie Underwood, having a few last minute alterations done on the one-of-a-kind exclusive designer dress she'll be wearing, when she sings 'America the Beautiful' at Donald Trump's presidential inauguration."
Image of Carrie Underwood in controversial outfit linked to political satire
This post, which garnered nearly one million views, was accompanied by an image of a woman in a wedding-like dress being altered in a boutique. The setting appeared to be Kleinfeld Bridal, a New York bridal shop featured in the popular television show 'Say Yes to the Dress'.
However, after the post gained significant traction, the user issued a follow-up comment, clarifying that the image was "political satire" and not real, Snopes reported.
Approximately three hours after posting the image, the same user responded in a subsequent reply, "(sigh)... since a lot more people than I ever imagined, actually think this is real, I'll issue the usual disclaimer: This is known as political satire/parody and it is NOT real. Thank you."
The furniture, mirrors, walls, and columns seen in the background of the photo appeared to match the interior of Kleinfeld Bridal, the well-known New York bridal shop featured on the reality show 'Say Yes to the Dress.'
While we couldn't find the original, unedited image, it likely depicted the boutique's staff assisting a bride-to-be with a wedding dress fitting.
Additionally, we've previously reported on a false rumor that Carrie Underwood lost over 1.5 million monthly Spotify listeners in a single day after news of her participation in the Inauguration Day performance surfaced.
