Viral Image Analysis
A photograph claiming to show a physically fragile Rowan Atkinson, best known for his role as Mr. Bean, bedridden in 2024 has gone viral on social media.
This image, paired with a picture of Atkinson as Mr. Bean, has sparked concern among fans globally. However, a detailed investigation by Newschecker has revealed that the photograph has been digitally manipulated.
Fact Check and Verification
A Google Lens search of the purported image led to a January 30, 2020 report by Mirror, which included the same distressing photograph.
The report identified the man in the photo as Barry Balderstone, a 75-year-old suffering from advanced Parkinson’s disease. Balderstone and his wife struggled financially to cover his care costs, as he did not qualify for full funding under the continuing healthcare scheme.
The photograph in question was taken on the day Balderstone was denied full funding, and he passed away the following day.
Further investigation revealed that the same photograph was used in a Manchester Evening News article. Balderstone’s wife, Marilyn, described the image as taken during the severe decline of his health. The misattribution of this image to Rowan Atkinson was a clear case of digital manipulation.
Conclusion
Comparing the alleged image of Atkinson with that of Balderstone confirmed that the viral photograph was manipulated. Rowan Atkinson was recently seen at a Formula One event on July 7, 2024, and multiple photographs from the event show him in good health.
This confirmation dispels the false narrative created by the viral image and reassures fans about Atkinson’s well-being.
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