Tourism and Wildlife Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano has dismissed as fake reports circulating online that she was attacked by goons while travelling to work.
The claims emerged after a video showing unknown individuals attacking passengers inside a vehicle went viral on social media.
The incident appeared to be a road-rage confrontation, but the footage was later shared alongside claims that the woman involved was Miano.
Responding to the reports on Monday, the CS said she had not been attacked and urged the public not to believe or circulate the claims.
“Fake news and rumours spread like bushfire. Please, just ignore and have a fruitful week!” Miano stated.
The video does not show Miano, despite claims accompanying some of the posts that identified her as the woman involved in the incident.
Miano's response comes amid increased circulation of unverified claims on social media involving public figures, with viral videos and photographs sometimes being shared with misleading descriptions.
More to follow...