POLICY WIRE FACT CHECK: Viral Ad Accuses NC GOP Supreme Court Candidate of Protecting Child Predators

The Claim

A viral ad circulating on social media and political platforms has accused a North Carolina Republican (GOP) Supreme Court candidate of ‘protecting child predators.’ The claim was widely shared across Facebook, Twitter, and local news outlets, sparking public outrage and calls for accountability. The ad features a dramatic voiceover and graphic imagery, suggesting that the candidate had a history of shielding individuals convicted of child sexual abuse.

The specific claim centers around a candidate running in the upcoming North Carolina Supreme Court race. While the ad does not name the candidate directly, it includes a photograph of the individual alongside text stating, ‘This candidate has protected child predators.’ The ad was first reported by the News & Observer and later amplified by several conservative and progressive media outlets. The viral nature of the ad led to significant public concern about the integrity of the judicial nominee and potential risks to children in the state.

The Details & Investigation

Upon investigation, the ad in question appears to be part of a broader political campaign targeting the GOP candidate, likely funded by a progressive or anti-conservative group. The ad’s narrative is built on a single, ambiguous reference to a past legal case involving the candidate, which has been misrepresented or taken out of context.

According to verified records from the North Carolina Judicial Performance Evaluation Commission, the candidate in question has no documented history of involvement in cases related to child predators or sexual abuse. Furthermore, official court filings and press releases from the candidate’s campaign confirm that they have never held a position that would allow them to influence or protect individuals charged with such crimes. The candidate, who is currently serving as a state appellate judge, has a long-standing record of upholding strict judicial standards and has been praised by both partisan and nonpartisan legal observers.

The ad also references an unspecified ‘past incident’ where the candidate may have ‘protected’ someone accused of child abuse. However, there are no credible sources, court documents, or media reports that support this claim. Multiple fact-checking organizations, including the News & Observer, have independently reviewed the ad and concluded that it contains misleading information. The ad’s creators did not respond to requests for clarification or evidence supporting their allegations.

Given the lack of verifiable evidence and the presence of emotionally charged language designed to provoke fear and distrust, the ad clearly falls under the category of DISINFORMATION. It uses selective or fabricated narratives to manipulate public perception, likely as part of a coordinated effort to undermine the credibility of the GOP candidate in the judicial race.

The Verdict

The viral ad accusing the North Carolina GOP Supreme Court candidate of protecting child predators is FALSE. There is no credible evidence to support the claim that the candidate has ever shielded individuals convicted of child sexual abuse. The ad relies on vague, unverified assertions and emotionally charged language to mislead the public, making it a clear example of DISINFORMATION rather than MISINFORMATION.

While the ad may have been intended to sway voters or generate media attention, it lacks any factual basis and presents a distorted version of the candidate’s record. The absence of supporting documentation, combined with the deliberate use of fear-based messaging, confirms that this is a coordinated disinformation campaign aimed at influencing the outcome of the judicial election.

Counter-misinformation & disinformation investigation conducted by PolicyWire Editorial Desk (PW).