Many rumours spread on the internet are started by one person and then copied by others. Naturally "Chinese whispers" often transform the original story beyond recognition. But it is surprising that the originators of the story often either deny it was them, or refuse to accept that they were wrong.
Recently Christine Boutin, a former government minister "tweeted" that former President, Jacques Chirac had died. This is denied by his family and the Paris hospital where he is being treated. No doubt he is ill, but how was Mme Boutin involved? She is not of his family, not even his party. But her defence seems to be that she acted in good faith. She should at least apologise for spreading a false rumour which will have caused distress to many.
Some months ago Taglines published a rumour which turned out to be wrong. But the instigator of the story (which concerned himself) instead of simply pointing out that he was mistaken, embarked on a series of ever more offensive personal attacks on Taglines and its editor. Rumours can be damaging, or helpful when deliberately propagated for PR purposes, but when they are simply untrue the originators should have the courage to admit it. Over to you Mme Boutin.
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