Fact Check: Viral video claims cardiologist Dr. Devi Shetty Attacked on Live TV, turns out to be deepfake
New Delhi: A viral social media post on Facebook claiming that Dr Devi Shetty was attacked on National TV. The video goes on to show a news reader giving "news" that a renowned cardiologist was attacked because he was talking about a remarkable plant-based medicine that can prevent cardiovascular disease. The video soon went viral on social media. This video has been doctored and is FALSE.
The Claim:
A Viral Facebook post claimed that the doctor was attacked on National TV. The post states, “Renowned Cardiologist *Dr Devi Shetty get trashed in front of National TV.”
A video shows a news anchor discussing an incident where Dr Devi Shetty was assaulted during a live news debate. The video includes the logo of the news channel Aaj Tak and depicts one man attacking another. The video also includes a segment with Dr. Devi Shetty, who discusses the attack and claims to have developed a new plant-based medicine to prevent cardiovascular diseases.
The news anchor describes an incident on live TV where a pharmaceutical company representative lost control and assaulted a well-known cardiologist renowned for treating hypertensive patients without medication. The cardiologist claimed to have treated hypertensive patients without medicines and said 25% of Indians do not live beyond 65 years; Dr Shetty allegedly speaks in the video about the attack and accuses the pharmaceutical industry of selling placebos that prevent hypertensive individuals from living beyond 65 years or leaving them disabled after heart attacks. He also claims to have developed a plant-based medicine that clears cardiovascular cholesterol, strengthens blood vessels, boosts the immune system, and eliminates the need for antibiotics. Dr. Shetty urges viewers to purchase this new medication.
The video can be accessed here.
Fact Check:
The video was fabricated. It was created by editing unrelated footage, using voice cloning technology, and then branded with the Aaj Tak logo to appear authentic. The mismatch between the lip movements of the anchor and the doctor and the audio in the video suggests that the audio may have been altered using digital tools, possibly involving AI technology.
A YouTube video posted by News Nation on January 13, 2017, captures an incident involving Swami Om, a self-proclaimed godman. During a debate on the channel, he got involved in a physical altercation with other panellists and some audience members. Contrary to other claims, this video does not mention Dr Devi Shetty or any new cardiovascular medicines.
In an NDTV Profit interview titled "BQ Exclusive: Dr. Devi Shetty on Health, Heart & Healing" on November 24, 2022, Dr. Shetty discussed cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, the shortage of doctors, and health insurance. Notably, contrary to what was depicted in the viral video, there was no mention of pharmaceutical companies or endorsements of any medications or pharmacies selling placebo.
Medical Dialogues Final Take:
The video is a deepfake and does not depict an actual attack on Dr. Devi Shetty during a live broadcast. It falsely portrays him as promoting plant-based drugs. The video features altered voices for both the news anchor and the doctor. There is no evidence or records to suggest that Dr Devi Shetty was attacked in such a manner on a live show, nor that he has been endorsing unscientific medicines.
