How Real Is the 'Momo Challenge'?

See what Snopes.com is debunking today. [Web Version]( 27 February 2019 Daily Debunker How Real Is the 'Momo Challenge'? If you spend much time perusing social media you’re probably familiar with the phenomenon of viral challenges and the dire safety warnings they inevitably inspire. Who can forget the “[Tide Pod Challenge](,” in which young people made videos of themselves swallowing laundry detergent to the chagrin of poison-control centers everywhere? More recently, we’re seeing alerts about a so-called “Momo Challenge,” in which children receive threatening messages accompanied by scary images of a fictional monster called “Momo.” Recipients of these messages have reportedly reacted by engaging in dangerous activities such as taking pills, stabbing people, or even committing suicide. To date, it’s unclear how real or widespread this phenomenon actually is, despite the plethora of safety warnings. We’ve compiled a report based on what we know so far. [Read more]( Fact Checks Rebel Yell Did Dianne Feinstein repeatedly reinstall a Confederate battle flag in San Francisco? Supporters of Sen. Bernie Sanders resurrected a 35-year-old controversy in February 2019. [Unproven]( McConnell's Net Worth Did U.S. Sen. Mitch McConnell increase his net worth by “nearly $2.4 million every year for a decade”? A meme based on a 2014 campaign ad continues to make the rounds of the internet. [Mixture]( Unintended Consequences Did billboards displayed in the U.S. promote the hijab? A billboard campaign aimed at dispelling rumors about Muslims has prompted Islamophobic reactions on social media. [True]( Sign of the Times Is this a real photograph of a man holding a sign that says “Homeless n*****s go back to Africa”? The photograph is genuine, but the story behind it is significantly more complicated than it appears at first glance. [True]( Support Snopes.com Dear Reader There are many sources of information out there, but there’s one source you know you can always trust to bring you the facts — in context. Support Snopes.com with a direct contribution today. [Contribute Now]( In the News Cohen Sticks to Trump Accusations, Shaking Off GOP Criticism Accused at length by one U.S. GOP lawmaker of being a pathological liar, Michael Cohen, President Donald Trump’s former personal lawyer, responded: "Sir, are you referring to me or the president?" [Read more]( At Least 4,500 Abuse Complaints at Migrant Children Shelters Thousands of accusations of sexual abuse and harassment of migrant children in government-funded shelters were made over the past four years, including scores directed against adult staff members. [Read more]( Defecating Superintendent Upset Over Release of His Picture Attorney Matthew Adams said the actions by the Holmdel Police Department were designed to "create a media spectacle" around the charges against Thomas Tramaglini. [Read more]( House OKs Democrats’ Bill Blocking Trump Emergency on Wall But the 245-182 vote to block Trump’s national-emergency declaration fell well below the two-thirds majority that would be needed to override the president’s promised veto. [Read more]( Oregon to Become First State to Impose Rent Control The state's seen a 12.8 percent spike in homelessness over the past decade, with high rates of veterans, youth and families living without shelter. [Read more]( Staff Pick Did Attorney Michael Cohen Advertise His Services as ‘The Fixer?’ An anonymous New York prankster put up satirical posters for President Trump's lawyer on the city's subway system. [Read more]( Snopes Media Group Inc. 864 Grand Ave #256 San Diego, CA 92109 © 1994-2019 by Snopes Media Group Inc. This material may not be reproduced without permission. Snopes and the Snopes.com logo are registered service marks of Snopes Media Group. [Manage Preferences]( [Unsubscribe](