In early October 2024, a rumor surfaced claiming that actor Tom Selleck would pull the show “Blue Bloods” from CBS if the network didn’t fire two of its debate moderators. This speculation followed the U.S. vice-presidential debate hosted by CBS News on October 1, moderated by Norah O’Donnell and Margaret Brennan.
The rumor gained traction on Facebook, particularly through a post from the page America – Love It Or Leave It, which claimed, “Tom Selleck says he’ll pull ‘Blue Bloods’ from CBS if they don’t fire the biased debate moderators: ‘That was embarrassing.'”
However, there is no evidence that Selleck made such statements. The origin of the rumor can be traced back to America’s Last Line of Defense, a network known for producing satirical content. The America – Love It Or Leave It page explicitly identifies itself as a subsidiary of this network, stating, “Nothing on this page is real.”
Mixed Reactions from Users
Despite the satirical origins, many readers interpreted the claim as genuine. One user commented in support of Selleck, while others expressed concerns about perceived bias in the debates conducted by major networks.
Context of the Debate and ‘Blue Bloods’
This fictional narrative emerged amid backlash from some conservatives regarding the moderators’ handling of the debate. “Blue Bloods” is reportedly wrapping up its 14th and final season with episodes airing in October 2024.
Similar satirical claims have been previously debunked, including a rumor about ABC News purportedly firing its news staff. These instances highlight the importance of scrutinizing sources that label their content as humorous or satirical.
