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NEW YORK — A fabricated screenshot claiming Justin Bieber accused Mariah Carey of murdering her mother and sister has exploded across social media this week, sparking widespread outrage, conspiracy theories and confusion before fact-checkers confirmed the post was entirely fake.

The hoax image, which appeared to show Bieber replying to Carey’s Instagram post mourning her family members, quickly spread on platforms including X, Instagram and TikTok. The alleged comment accused Carey of killing her mother Patricia and sister Alison for “Illuminati” reasons, with some versions adding even more extreme and baseless claims. The rumor gained traction rapidly, with millions of views and shares before major outlets and fact-checking organizations debunked it.

There is no evidence Justin Bieber ever made such a statement. The screenshot originated from a fake “lilbieber” account and was amplified by conspiracy-focused pages. Carey’s mother Patricia, 87, and sister Alison, 63, both passed away in August 2024 from reported natural causes. No credible source has linked Bieber to any comment on the matter, and representatives for both artists have not responded to the hoax.

The rapid spread highlights how easily misinformation can go viral in today’s social media environment, especially when it involves high-profile celebrities and sensitive family tragedies. Fact-checkers including Lead Stories and multiple media outlets confirmed within hours that the image was manipulated and the comment never existed on Carey’s verified Instagram account.

How the Rumor Started and Spread

The false post first appeared on X from accounts known for sharing conspiracy content. It claimed Bieber commented on Carey’s tribute post following the deaths of her mother and sister. Variations of the fake comment ranged from “You killed your mom and sis for the Illuminati” to more graphic and unfounded allegations.

The rumor quickly crossed platforms. Instagram reels, TikTok videos and YouTube shorts amplified the screenshot, often pairing it with dramatic music and text overlays suggesting “the truth is finally coming out.” Some users tied the claim to broader conspiracy theories involving Sean “Diddy” Combs’ parties, despite no connection between the events.

By mid-week, the story had reached mainstream awareness. News outlets published fact-check articles explaining the hoax, but the initial wave of shares had already created significant confusion. Many users expressed shock and disappointment, while others questioned why such a sensitive rumor would circulate so widely.

Mariah Carey’s Family Tragedies

The hoax preyed on real and painful events in Mariah Carey’s life. Her mother Patricia died on August 8, 2024, at age 87, followed by her sister Alison’s death just days later on August 11 at age 63. Carey confirmed the losses publicly and shared emotional tributes on social media, describing her mother as her “inspiration” and her sister as someone who faced many challenges.

Carey has spoken openly in the past about her complicated family relationships, including periods of estrangement. The deaths came at a difficult time for the singer, who has also dealt with public scrutiny over her health and career. The fake Bieber comment exploited this vulnerability, turning a private family tragedy into fuel for online conspiracy content.

Justin Bieber’s Silence and History with Rumors

Justin Bieber has not addressed the hoax directly. The 32-year-old pop star has faced numerous false rumors throughout his career, particularly during periods of high media attention. His team has historically avoided engaging with baseless claims to prevent giving them more oxygen.

Bieber and Carey have crossed paths professionally over the years but maintain no known personal feud. Both artists have collaborated with many of the same industry figures, making the fabricated accusation particularly absurd to those familiar with their careers.

Social Media’s Role in Spreading Misinformation

The incident underscores ongoing challenges with misinformation on social media. Algorithms often prioritize emotionally charged content, allowing fake posts to reach millions before verification can catch up. Many users shared the screenshot without checking the source account or seeking confirmation from credible news outlets.

Fact-checking organizations have urged users to verify celebrity comments by checking verified accounts and looking for corroboration from multiple reliable sources. In this case, the absence of any statement from Bieber’s verified Instagram or official channels should have raised immediate red flags.

Experts say the speed of the rumor’s spread reflects deeper issues with trust in institutions and the desire for sensational stories. Conspiracy theories involving celebrities often gain traction because they combine familiar faces with dramatic narratives.

Impact on Fans and Public Discourse

The rumor has divided fans of both artists. Some expressed disappointment in Bieber without verifying the claim, while others immediately called out the hoax and defended the singer. Carey’s supporters have been particularly vocal in condemning the exploitation of her family’s loss for clicks and engagement.

The episode has renewed calls for better platform moderation and digital literacy education. Social media companies continue to struggle with the balance between free speech and preventing harmful misinformation, especially when it targets vulnerable individuals or involves real tragedies.

Broader Context of Celebrity Rumor Culture

High-profile celebrities like Bieber and Carey are frequent targets of online hoaxes and conspiracy theories. Their fame makes them ideal subjects for content creators seeking viral attention. The music industry has a long history of rumors, but social media has accelerated and amplified them to unprecedented levels.

This particular rumor also tapped into existing conspiracy narratives involving Illuminati symbolism in entertainment and alleged connections to other high-profile figures. While such theories have circulated for years, they rarely have any factual basis and often cause real emotional harm to those targeted.

As the story continues to evolve, the focus has shifted from the false accusation to the mechanisms that allowed it to spread so quickly. Fact-checkers and journalists have worked to correct the record, but the initial damage to public perception can be difficult to fully undo.

For now, both Justin Bieber and Mariah Carey continue their respective careers and personal lives without public comment on the hoax. Their fans and the broader public have been reminded once again of the importance of verifying information before sharing, especially when it involves sensitive personal matters and real human tragedy.

The incident serves as a cautionary tale about the power of social media to both connect and mislead. In an era where anyone can create and distribute content instantly, the responsibility falls on users to approach sensational claims with skepticism and seek out credible sources before reacting.

A newly built home may cost more upfront, but buyers could come out ahead over time as newer properties require less maintenance and use less energy, according to a new Realtor.com report.

The report suggests buyers should look beyond listing prices and consider the long-term cost of homeownership when comparing new and existing homes.

The findings arrive as housing affordability continues to dominate economic concerns for many Americans ahead of the midterm elections.

THIS MIDWESTERN STATE LEADS THE NATION IN HOME FORECLOSURES AS US FILINGS JUMP BY 26%

Newer homes often feature more efficient systems, better insulation and newer major components that can lower ownership costs. (David Paul Morris/Bloomberg/Getty Images / Getty Images)

Realtor.com found buyers of new-construction homes save an average of $25,335 during the first 10 years of ownership compared with buyers of 20-year-old homes. The savings stem largely from lower utility bills and reduced spending on major repairs and replacements, including HVAC systems, roofs and water heaters.

The study compared homes built in 2025 with homes built in 2005, using a standard home size of 1,750 square feet. Researchers found newer homes benefit from updated building codes, improved insulation and more energy-efficient systems.

WHITE HOUSE TEASES MAJOR HOUSING AFFORDABILITY PLAN AS PRICES SQUEEZE AMERICANS

New-home buyers can save an average of $25,335 over 10 years through lower utility and repair costs, according to a Realtor.com report. (Mario Tama/Getty Images / Getty Images)

Savings varied widely by region, with New England states seeing the biggest long-term savings. Massachusetts led the nation at nearly $39,000 over 10 years, which researchers attributed to colder climates and stricter energy codes.

Southern states, including Arkansas, South Carolina, Kentucky, Florida and Texas, saw smaller savings despite lower upfront new-construction costs. Realtor.com said milder winters reduce potential energy savings.

The report identified 16 metro areas where long-term savings offset the upfront premium for new construction, including San Diego, Salt Lake City, Seaford, Delaware, Salem, Oregon, and Madison, Wisconsin.

AMERICANS KEEP MOVING TO TEXAS AND FLORIDA — BUT ONE OTHER RED STATE IS GROWING EVEN FASTER

The report found the financial benefits of new construction differed sharply by state, with the Northeast posting the strongest 10-year savings. (Joshua Lott/Bloomberg via Getty Images / Getty Images)

Researchers also noted that builder incentives, including price cuts, cash credits and mortgage-rate buydowns, could further improve affordability.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP

Realtor.com estimates new-home buyers currently pay mortgage rates roughly one percentage point lower than buyers of existing homes, potentially saving more than $30,000 over 10 years.

The findings underscore how operating costs and financing incentives are becoming a larger part of the affordability equation for homebuyers.

LOS ANGELES — Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are reportedly living increasingly separate lives amid growing concerns from close friends that their high-profile marriage is under serious strain and may not survive long-term, according to multiple sources familiar with the couple’s inner circle.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, who once captivated the world with their fairy-tale romance and dramatic exit from royal life, have been spending more time apart in recent months, with Harry frequently traveling for solo projects while Meghan focuses on her lifestyle brand and personal endeavors in California. Insiders say the couple’s once-united front has quietly fractured, raising questions about the future of one of modern royalty’s most scrutinized relationships.

“Friends are genuinely worried,” one source close to the couple told media outlets this week. “They’ve been living quite separate lives for some time now. There’s real fear that the marriage won’t survive in its current form.”

The couple has not commented publicly on the reports, and representatives for Harry and Meghan declined to respond to requests for comment. However, observers have noted a noticeable shift in their joint appearances and public messaging throughout 2026.

Signs of Growing Distance

Harry, 41, has spent significant time in the UK and Africa pursuing conservation and mental health initiatives, while Meghan, 44, has focused on expanding her lifestyle company American Riviera Orchard and creative projects in Los Angeles. The couple’s Montecito mansion has reportedly seen periods where only one spouse is in residence for weeks at a time.

Public appearances together have become less frequent and more formal. Their last joint red carpet event was months ago, and sources say coordination between their respective teams has become more complicated as individual priorities take precedence.

The couple’s two children, Prince Archie, 7, and Princess Lilibet, 5, are said to be at the center of their concerns. Friends claim both Harry and Meghan are committed to co-parenting but differ on long-term plans for the children’s education and public exposure.

Friends Express Private Concerns

Multiple sources describe a circle of friends who are increasingly alarmed by the couple’s dynamic. Some close associates have reportedly urged the pair to seek professional counseling, while others worry that the intense public scrutiny and differing visions for their future are creating irreconcilable differences.

One longtime friend of the couple told media that the strain became particularly evident after Harry’s solo trip to Africa earlier this year. “Meghan has built a life in California that she loves, while Harry still feels pulled back to his roots in the UK,” the friend said. “They’re trying to make it work, but it’s clear they’re on different paths right now.”

The reports echo earlier speculation in 2025 when the couple temporarily lived apart during a period of reported tension, though they later appeared to reconcile publicly. This latest chapter, however, feels more sustained to those in their orbit.

Public Image vs Private Reality

To the outside world, Harry and Meghan continue to project unity through carefully managed social media posts and occasional joint statements. Their Archewell Foundation continues its work on humanitarian causes, and both maintain active professional lives — Harry with his memoir promotions and mental health advocacy, Meghan with brand partnerships and media projects.

However, insiders say the polished public image masks deeper challenges. The couple’s Netflix deal has reportedly underperformed relative to expectations, and their Spotify podcast venture ended after one season. Financial pressures from maintaining their Montecito lifestyle and funding various initiatives have added stress, according to sources.

The intense media spotlight that has followed them since their 2018 wedding has never fully faded. Friends say the constant scrutiny has taken a toll, with Harry particularly sensitive to coverage of his family in the UK.

A Marriage Under Pressure

Harry and Meghan’s relationship has always been unconventional. Their 2020 decision to step back from senior royal duties and move to California marked a dramatic break from tradition. What began as a love story that captivated millions has evolved into a complex partnership navigating fame, family estrangement and the challenges of building independent lives.

Marriage experts note that high-profile couples often face unique pressures, including differing career demands and public expectations. “When two strong personalities build individual brands while trying to maintain a marriage, it requires constant work,” said relationship psychologist Dr. Laura Berman. “Add in the global spotlight and family complications, and the challenges multiply.”

The couple’s friends say both Harry and Meghan remain committed to their children and shared values around service and mental health. However, the question of whether those shared values are enough to sustain the marriage long-term is now being openly discussed in their inner circle.

What’s Next for the Sussexes

For now, Harry and Meghan continue to operate under the Sussex brand while maintaining separate professional schedules. Sources say no formal separation discussions have taken place, but the couple has been quietly exploring options for more independent living arrangements that would still allow co-parenting.

Any potential split would be one of the most closely watched celebrity divorces in modern history, with significant implications for their brand, finances and custody arrangements. The couple’s multimillion-dollar Netflix deal, book contracts and brand partnerships could all face complications in the event of a separation.

Representatives for the couple have consistently declined to comment on personal matters, maintaining a policy of focusing on their work and philanthropic efforts. In public statements, both Harry and Meghan continue to emphasize family unity and their commitment to service.

Broader Cultural Significance

The reported troubles in Harry and Meghan’s marriage reflect larger conversations about modern relationships under public pressure. Their story — from fairy-tale wedding to transatlantic relocation to reported struggles — has become a cultural touchstone for discussions about fame, mental health and the challenges of interracial relationships in the spotlight.

Supporters continue to praise the couple for breaking away from royal constraints and building independent lives. Critics argue their public complaints and business ventures have created unnecessary drama. Regardless of perspective, their relationship remains one of the most analyzed in the world.

As 2026 continues, Harry and Meghan face important decisions about their future together and apart. Whether they can overcome current challenges or decide to part ways will likely play out under intense global scrutiny.

For now, the couple’s friends hope for reconciliation and continued co-parenting harmony. The coming months may prove decisive in determining whether one of the 21st century’s most famous romances can withstand the pressures that have tested it from the beginning.

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Analyst’s Disclosure: I/we have a beneficial long position in the shares of AGM either through stock ownership, options, or other derivatives. I wrote this article myself, and it expresses my own opinions. I am not receiving compensation for it (other than from Seeking Alpha). I have no business relationship with any company whose stock is mentioned in this article.

I also have a long position in the Series F and G preferred shares.

Seeking Alpha’s Disclosure: Past performance is no guarantee of future results. No recommendation or advice is being given as to whether any investment is suitable for a particular investor. Any views or opinions expressed above may not reflect those of Seeking Alpha as a whole. Seeking Alpha is not a licensed securities dealer, broker or US investment adviser or investment bank. Our analysts are third party authors that include both professional investors and individual investors who may not be licensed or certified by any institute or regulatory body.

TEHRAN — Iran has quietly launched an ambitious new initiative to explore and develop vast natural gas reserves deep beneath the Strait of Hormuz, a strategic move that could significantly boost the country’s energy exports while raising tensions in one of the world’s most critical maritime chokepoints.

Iranian state media and energy officials confirmed this week that advanced seismic surveys and exploratory drilling preparations are underway in Iranian territorial waters within the strait. The project, codenamed “Hormuz Deep Gas,” targets previously untapped hydrocarbon formations lying more than 3,000 meters below the seabed, according to sources familiar with the program.

Energy analysts estimate the potential reserves could exceed 50 trillion cubic feet of natural gas, which would represent one of the largest discoveries in the region in decades. If commercially viable, the fields could transform Iran’s energy outlook, providing a major new revenue stream at a time when the country faces international sanctions and economic pressure.

“This is a strategic step toward energy independence and strengthening our position in global markets,” Iran’s Oil Minister Javad Owji said in a carefully worded statement. “We are committed to responsible development that respects international maritime law while securing our national interests.”

Strategic Location Raises Geopolitical Stakes

The Strait of Hormuz, through which roughly 20 percent of the world’s traded oil passes daily, has long been a flashpoint for regional tensions. Iran’s new underwater energy ambitions add another layer of complexity to an already volatile area, where naval incidents and territorial disputes regularly occur.

The exploratory work is reportedly taking place entirely within Iran’s recognized maritime boundaries, but neighboring countries including the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and Oman have expressed private concerns about potential environmental risks and overlapping claims. The United States Navy’s Fifth Fleet, which patrols the region, has increased monitoring of Iranian vessels involved in the project.

U.S. officials have not publicly commented on the specific initiative but have reiterated their commitment to freedom of navigation in the strait. “Any activities that threaten maritime safety or stability in this critical waterway will be taken seriously,” a Pentagon spokesperson said.

Technical Challenges and Development Plans

Developing gas fields at such extreme depths presents enormous technical challenges. Iran is working with Chinese and Russian energy firms to deploy advanced deep-water drilling technology, including specialized rigs capable of operating in high-pressure underwater environments. Initial seismic data collected over the past 18 months has reportedly identified multiple promising structures.

If successful, production could begin within five to seven years, with gas potentially liquefied for export or piped to Iranian power plants to reduce reliance on oil. Iranian officials envision the project as part of a broader strategy to diversify energy exports away from crude oil toward cleaner-burning natural gas.

Environmental groups have raised alarms about potential risks to the fragile marine ecosystem of the strait, which supports important fisheries and biodiversity. An oil or gas leak at such depths could be extremely difficult to contain and would have devastating long-term consequences for the region.

Economic Implications for Iran

Success in the Hormuz Deep Gas project could provide Iran with a significant economic lifeline. The country holds some of the world’s largest proven gas reserves but has struggled to develop them fully due to sanctions, outdated technology and lack of foreign investment.

New gas production could generate billions in annual revenue while helping Iran meet growing domestic electricity demand. It would also strengthen Tehran’s negotiating position in any future talks over its nuclear program and regional influence.

However, analysts caution that international sanctions continue to limit Iran’s ability to attract the massive foreign investment and technology transfers needed for deep-water projects. China has emerged as the most willing partner, but Western technology and expertise remain largely off-limits.

Regional and Global Reactions

Gulf Arab states have watched developments with concern. Saudi Arabia and the UAE, which compete with Iran in global energy markets, have quietly bolstered their own naval presence in the area. Oman, which sits on the other side of the strait, has called for calm and diplomatic dialogue.

Major energy consumers such as China, India, Japan and South Korea — all heavily dependent on oil and gas passing through the strait — are monitoring the situation closely. Any disruption to shipping or new environmental regulations stemming from the project could affect global energy prices.

Trump, who remains influential in U.S. politics, has previously warned Iran against actions that threaten energy security. His recent comments about the region have added to speculation about how a potential future U.S. administration might respond to Iranian moves in the strait.

Technical and Environmental Considerations

Deep-water gas development requires sophisticated engineering to withstand high pressures, corrosive seawater and seismic activity common in the region. Iran claims its partners have developed new technologies specifically suited to the geological conditions beneath the strait.

Environmental impact assessments are reportedly underway, though critics question their independence. The strait is already stressed by heavy shipping traffic, occasional oil spills and climate change effects. Any large-scale industrial activity on the seabed would require careful management to avoid damaging marine habitats and fisheries that support local communities.

What Comes Next

Iranian officials say exploratory drilling could begin within the next 12 to 18 months, pending final approvals and technical preparations. Success in the initial wells would likely trigger a major development phase involving multiple production platforms and subsea infrastructure.

The project’s progress will be closely watched by energy markets, naval forces and diplomatic observers worldwide. While Iran frames the initiative as a legitimate exercise of sovereign rights, the strategic location ensures it will remain a source of international tension and speculation.

For now, the waters of the Strait of Hormuz remain open for global commerce, but beneath the surface, Iran is quietly working to unlock new sources of power that could reshape regional energy dynamics for decades to come. The success or failure of this ambitious underwater venture may ultimately influence not just Iran’s economy but the broader geopolitics of energy in the 21st century.