Stand up for the facts!

Our only agenda is to publish the truth so you can be an informed participant in democracy.
We need your help.

More Info

I would like to contribute

Ciara O'Rourke
By Ciara O'Rourke July 17, 2023

‘Demonic possession’ footage is scary, but fabricated

If Your Time is short

  • This video was created by French artist MBG Core.
 

In a black-and-white video clip being newly shared on social media, a person scales the side of a building with one hand while holding a girl or woman by the hair with the other hand before dropping her to the ground. 

"This is so scary … " reads the text above the video. "This is footage of an ACTUAL demonic possession in 1896." 

It is scary, but before you’re too impressed by the apparent quality of video cameras in the late 19th century, please know: This is not actual footage of a demonic possession. 

An Instagram post sharing the video was flagged as part of Meta’s efforts to combat false news and misinformation on its News Feed. (Read more about our partnership with Meta, which owns Facebook and Instagram.)

Featured Fact-check

The video was created by a French artist who works under the name, "MBG Core." He posted the video to YouTube in 2019 and reposted it on Instagram in April. When another user asked what software he used to create it, the account replied: "Endorphin for characters, M.Designer for cloth." 

Sign up for PolitiFact texts

We rate claims that this is authentic footage of demonic possession Pants on Fire!

 

Our Sources

Browse the Truth-O-Meter

More by Ciara O'Rourke

‘Demonic possession’ footage is scary, but fabricated

Support independent fact-checking.
Become a member!

In a world of wild talk and fake news, help us stand up for the facts.

Sign me up