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Weaponising Social Media: When Lies Go Viral Before the Truth Wakes Up

Published

3 weeks ago

August 12, 2025

Chiraag

weaponising social media, Armstrong Williams defamation case, misinformation dangers online, Project Veritas allegations, Patricia Lelis fraud charges, online reputation damage, dangers of viral lies, Joburg ETC

Allegations that defy logic

The online narrative doesn’t stop there. It goes on to allege that Williams conspired with former US Attorney General William Barr to commit visa fraud, manufacturing fake companies for wealthy individuals to gain entry into the United States. Williams calls these accusations “defamatory per se,” arguing they are not only false but also criminal in implication.

According to him, the supposed source is Patricia Lelis, a Brazilian national facing serious charges in the United States, including multiple counts of wire fraud, unlawful monetary transactions, and aggravated identity theft. Williams says she once worked for him under false pretences, claiming to be a licensed attorney, and that he fired her after uncovering her fraud and reporting her to the FBI.

Planning legal action

Williams says his team is preparing to sue Project Falsitas unless it issues a full retraction and public apology. He warns that reputational damage spreads far faster online than the truth can keep up with. Quoting the old Mark Twain adage about lies travelling “halfway around the world before the truth puts its shoes on,” Williams argues that in the digital age, falsehoods can go global before the truth is even awake.

A warning for the digital era

For Williams, this is more than just a personal fight; it is a cautionary tale about the “weaponisation” of social media. He says the lack of editorial gatekeeping online allows misinformation to flourish unchecked, unlike in traditional media, where stories are vetted before publication.

He calls for a return to healthy scepticism, echoing President Ronald Reagan’s famous words: “Trust, but verify.” In his view, the erosion of critical thinking has created fertile ground for wild, baseless claims to be taken at face value.

Beyond one person’s story

While Williams’ case is rooted in American politics, his concerns ring true globally. In South Africa too, false social media narratives have sparked unrest, damaged businesses, and ruined personal reputations. His message is a reminder that in an age where anyone can publish to millions, the burden falls on all of us to question what we read before hitting “share.”