Jerry Falwell Jr. Wasn't Cancelled at the Republican National Convention
The Claim
Falwell was originally scheduled to speak at the Republican National Convention but was disinvited after allegations that he and his wife were involved in a relationship with their former pool boy.
News posted on
Emerging story
Falwell spoke at the Republican National Convention in Cleveland in 2016, helping raise support for Trump among evangelical voters, which may have led some to assume he would speak again this year.
Social media users quickly came up with a one-liner to describe Falwell’s potential involvement in this year’s convention. It’s based on the allegation that Falwell was a witness to his wife’s alleged affair with their pool boy. The joke spread like wildfire.
Misbar’s Analysis
Misbar’s investigation shows this story is false. Falwell was never scheduled to speak at this year’s Republican National Convention. Although Falwell played a major role in the convention just four years ago, he was “quietly ruled out” of this year’s convention due to concerns about his personal life, according to The New York Times.
That move proved to be fortuitous as the alleged sex scandal came to light the same day that the Republican National Convention kicked off. Falwell resigned from his post as president of Liberty University shortly thereafter. Liberty University is a Christian college founded by Falwell’s father, which is why the alleged sex scandal is so damaging to Falwell.
