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The Big Lies › 2022 › File PF-0197
Debunked

NPR: Gorsuch Refused to Mask After Being 'Asked'

NPR reported that Chief Justice Roberts had asked the justices to mask up for Justice Sotomayor's sake, and that Justice Gorsuch refused, which forced her to work from her chambers.

First reported Jan 18, 2022 · NPR
Screenshot of the original report as published
Screenshot of the report as published: npr.org. Tap to open the source.
Who it helped: Democrats

The story portrayed a conservative justice as endangering a liberal colleague's health.

What was reported

NPR reported that Chief Justice Roberts had asked the justices to mask up for Justice Sotomayor's sake, and that Justice Gorsuch refused, which forced her to work from her chambers.

What actually happened

Within a day, Justices Sotomayor and Gorsuch issued a rare joint statement calling the report false, and Roberts said he had not asked Gorsuch or any other justice to wear a mask. NPR's public editor, Kelly McBride, concluded the story needed a clarification because the word 'asked' was misleading and the sourcing was not explained. NPR did not correct the story, and its reporter stood by it.

The proof

The joint statement from Justices Sotomayor and Gorsuch, Chief Justice Roberts's written denial, and NPR's own public editor's finding.

The receipt. Copy this and paste it anywhere:

NPR: Gorsuch Refused to Mask After Being 'Asked' — Debunked. The joint statement from Justices Sotomayor and Gorsuch, Chief Justice Roberts's written denial, and NPR's own public editor's finding. Full file: https://www.thepropagandafiles.com/case/npr-gorsuch-refused-mask-sotomayor/

Original reporting

Corrections, findings & records

Archived copies

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