Bubba Wallace noose incident NOT a hoax despite online speculation suggesting otherwise

While NASCAR was busy showcasing a unified front in support for the 'Bubba Wallace noose' incident, fans on social media were busy speculating if the incident is nothing but a NASCAR noose hoax. The statement released by the racing company on Saturday stated a noose was found hanging in Wallace's No. 43 garage stall. It prompted an investigation from the racing company. However, based on a fake rumour (flagged fake on Facebook), several users on social media are apparently determined that the Bubba Wallace noose incident is a hoax and the driver actually mistook a NASCAR serpentine belt for a noose.

Also Read | NASCAR Drivers Rally Around Bubba Wallace After Noose Was Found In Racer's Garage, NASCAR Noose Hoax?

Bubba Wallace Noose or a NASCAR noose hoax? False rumour spurs new controversy

Posted by a user on Facebook, the post - made to look like a news report - claimed the NASCAR driver confused a hanging serpentine belt in the garage stall for a noose. "NASCAR said a serpentine belt was confused as a noose in Bubba Wallace’s garage stall at Talladega Speedway in Alabama on Sunday. Wallace, who is from Mobile, is the only Black driver in the Cup Series," the now-deleted post read. 

Also Read | NASCAR Noose Hoax? Statement Reveals A Noose Was Found In Bubba Wallace's Team's Garage Stall

Bubba Wallace noose was serpentine belt? Hoax debunked

However, before the post could get much attention from fans, it was debunked by host of users on Facebook and other social media platforms. Cassie Fambro, a journalist from Alabama, took to Twitter to confirm that the Bubba Wallace noose incident was not a mistake and NASCAR did not report a serpentine belt was found instead. 

Reports further indicate that it was not Bubba Wallace who discovered the noose. The noose was found in the garage stall by a member of the No. 43 team before it was notified to Wallace and NASCAR. "Late this afternoon, NASCAR was made aware that a noose was found in the garage stall of the 43 team," the statement released by NASCAR read. "We are angry and outraged and cannot state strongly enough how seriously we take this heinous act."

Also Read | NASCAR Race Begins After Show Of Support For Bubba Wallace

The racing company further noted that an investigation will be carried out into the Bubba Wallace noose incident to uncover the identity of the individual behind the racist attack. According to the latest reports, the FBI, as well as the DoJ (Department of Justice), are investigating the incident. Only a small number of people reportedly had access to the garage before the race, which even excludes fans attending the event. 

Also Read | Bubba Wallace Noose Found In NASCAR Driver's Garage Stall

(Image Credits: AP)