Photo of Canadian Health Official is Digitally Altered

Rebecca Bowen

Health

22nd June 2021

The portrait is clearly photoshopped (The Canadian Press).

The Claim

A photograph shows Canada’s Chief Public Health official looking extremely unhealthy, or like a demon.

News posted on

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Emerging story

For the past few weeks, a photo has been circulating on social media with the caption, “Health Minister of Canada. No one will ever convince me this is not a demon.” The photo shows a woman with large, sunken dark eyes, with receding gums and dirty teeth.

A supporting image within the article body

Misbar’s Analysis

Misbar’s analysis of the photo shows it to be digitally altered. The original photo can be accessed here and shows Canada’s Chief Public Health Officer, Dr. Theresa Tam. The photo was taken from an article by the Toronto Star and a side-by-side comparison reveals the alterations.

The contrast and color have been changed, and Dr. Tam’s eyes have been stretched and the irises enlarged. Her lower jaw and teeth were also manipulated. Dr. Tam is a physician with expertise in immunization, infectious diseases, emergency preparedness, and global health security. She has worked in public health for over 20 years including serving on committees with the World Health Organization and in several leadership roles for the Canadian government.