Video from a star-studded fundraiser in Los Angeles for President Joe Biden on Saturday is making rounds on social media with claims of him freezing up onstage as he exited the event.
One post on X with approximately 22,000 likes and 5,600 shares as of Monday stated, “Biden froze again last night and had to get escorted out by Obama. Is this normal?”
Campaign and administration members clarified that the president paused to acknowledge the cheers and applause as he left a sit-down session with former President Barack Obama and comedian Jimmy Kimmel, which raised over $30 million for his reelection campaign. A spokesperson for Kimmel also supported this explanation.
The video is part of a series of clips from public events, some of which are edited, to insinuate that Biden is unfit for office both mentally and physically.
Here’s a closer look at the facts.
CLAIM: Biden froze onstage during his fundraiser in Los Angeles on Saturday night and had to be led away by Obama.
THE FACTS: Biden took a moment amid cheers and applause as he exited the stage with his predecessor following an interview moderated by late-night host Kimmel.
Former President Donald Trump shared a video on his social media platform Truth Social showing Biden stopping and looking out into the audience as he departed, questioning if he is fit to be president.
Footage from the event provided by Biden campaign spokesperson James Singer demonstrates the president engaging with the audience alongside Obama while Kimmel waits on the side. Biden paused momentarily as he looked at the crowd before continuing when Obama gestured for them to leave the stage together.
White House spokesperson described this as “the President taking in an applauding crowd for a few seconds.” Singer attributed the negative portrayals to distraction tactics from those concerned about losing to Joe Biden.
In response to edited videos making Biden appear frail or confused, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre referred to them as “cheap fakes done in bad faith,” demonstrating the desperate tactics of Republicans.
A source who organized and attended the fundraiser stated that there was nothing out of the ordinary about the moment and that Obama simply wanted to have a friendly exit with Biden.
Spokesperson Lewis Kay dismissed the online claims as “nonsense,” explaining that attendees were trying to get Biden’s attention and he was simply trying to hear them.
The fundraiser raised over $30 million, with appearances by George Clooney, Julia Roberts, and Barbra Streisand. During the event, Biden and Obama emphasized the importance of defeating Trump in the upcoming election.
This is part of the AP’s effort to address widely shared false and misleading information that is circulating online. Learn more about fact-checking at AP.
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