Gabriel Ocasio-Cortez, the brother of Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, has firmly denied viral claims linking him to a fentanyl trafficking ring, calling the accusations completely false and dangerous.
The rumors, which spread rapidly across social media, falsely identified him as someone named “Matthew” and alleged involvement in a multimillion-dollar drug operation. In response, Gabriel released a video stating he has no connection to the allegations and works in outreach services for the homeless.
He warned that such misinformation not only damages reputations but can lead to real-world threats, particularly in a politically charged environment. Gabriel also stated he is exploring legal options to address the defamatory claims and hold those responsible accountable.
The incident highlights the growing challenge of combating viral misinformation online and its capacity to cause personal and professional harm in a matter of hours.