After a GoFundMe was created by comedian Brad Williams for Quaden, the 9-year-old boy with dwarfism who went viral after his mother shared him saying he wanted to die after being bullied, a rumour has been making its way on social media regarding the authenticity of Quaden’s identity. The viral post that’s been widely shared claims that Quaden’s identity is inauthentic.
Quaden’s actual age was the main question that most Internet users were left wondering with. The post claimed that Quaden is actually an 18-year-old Instagram celebrity who makes a lot of money.
This conspiracy theory has now been debunked by The Star, thanks to plenty of facts that prove Quaden is indeed a 9-year-old boy. According to The Star, photos of Quaden dressed in designer clothing and posing with friends had been taken out of context and framed as if it was Quaden celebrating his 18th birthday party.
An Australian news site (news.com.au) has stated that the claims are completely false because some users were sharing misleading information about Quaden, by using his real social media postings and manipulating it with false captions. One of the most circulated pictures was Quaden at “his own” 18th birthday party. The news site debunked this notion because the name of the actual person who was celebrating the birthday party can be seen on a sign in the pictures.
Furthermore, the news site went on to further explain that Quaden and his mother, Yarakka, had appeared on a television show prior to this. The premise of this show revolves around Yarakka as a mum with a child (Quaden) who is living with Achondroplasia or dwarfism. During the taping of this show, Quaden was 4-years-old, and he had lost his two front teeth.
Quaden was also featured in a television programme that followed Quaden’s experience of preparing for his brain and spine surgery. This 2015 show notes the fact that Quaden was 4-years-old at that time.
Another picture that seemingly convinced the Internet was a picture of Quaden with wine glass in his hand. The Australian news site went on to explain that the picture was conveniently cropped out, leaving out the part where a bottle of sparkling fruit juice can be seen right at his side.
The Dailymail has also reported that Quaden’s family had sent out warnings to the public stating that there are fake social media accounts impersonating him. These fake accounts’ main motivation is to take advantage of the current circumstance and indulge in viral fame.
Regardless of one’s age, bullying is still not okay. Bullying affects people from all backgrounds. Let’s put an end to bullying.
Also read: Update: Internet Raises RM500k For Bullied Boy With Dwarfism To Go To Disneyland After He Went Viral
