Inside truth behind CNN’s viral US election video ‘Pornhub’

While the video was quickly debunked – the Pornhub banner was clearly added to the live footage afterwards – users seemed delighted with the flub, whether fake or not. One particularly excited spectator said: “It’s the high point of the election.” Big compliments!

In the now viral video, shared without sound, CNN anchors Wolf Blitzer and John King discuss new votes counted in Pennsylvania, a major battleground in the presidential election. If the camera is cropped to King in front of the magic wall, you’ll see a Pornhub banner in the top right of the screen. He quickly flicks it away and takes a knowing look at an off-screen producer:

As if to get rid of the pornosity of it all, King then seems to wipe his hand on his jacket before continuing with his electoral college.

The video was immediately shared on Twitter, where it has now been viewed millions of times. “If you’ve chosen more than 3 days, seek medical help,” joked one commenter. “CNN has the time of their lives broadcasting Pornhub between polls,” said another.

However, experienced users quickly discovered that the video was fake, and many shared the real, unedited clip from the live segment where King removed a phone notification that appeared on the screen.

Real or false, the CNN Pornhub video was a much-needed distraction for viewers desperately looking for the news – the news! – about the choice. Perhaps Unsure The star and writer Natasha Rothwell put it best: “The Pornhub-CNN video is fake, but it will live on as truth in my heart.” Preach.

This article originally appeared on Decider and has been reproduced with permission