Henderson County Sheriff Accuses TikTok Influencer of Spreading Helene Recovery Misinformation
BAT CAVE, N.C. – A heated controversy erupted in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, with Henderson County Sheriff Lowell Griffin publicly accusing TikTok influencer David James Phillips (@AmericaIsRising) of disseminating misinformation regarding recovery efforts in the devastated communities of Bat Cave and Chimney Rock. The sheriff’s accusations, delivered via a Facebook video, ignited a war of words between the two, further complicating an already challenging recovery process.
Sheriff Griffin’s contention centers on Phillips’ portrayal of the recovery efforts, particularly regarding access to the affected areas and the role of FEMA. The sheriff asserted that Phillips has falsely claimed FEMA is restricting access and denying aid to residents, fueling unwarranted panic and distrust. Griffin pointed to the situation surrounding a temporary road cut by West Virginia coal miners across private property to reconnect Bat Cave and Chimney Rock after Highway 74 washed away. While the road was initially closed due to property owner concerns, Griffin maintains that access for emergency vehicles was subsequently restored through the installation of gates. He accuses Phillips of exploiting this temporary closure to generate sensationalized content, unfairly blaming FEMA for a situation rooted in private property rights.
The sheriff further alleges that Phillips’ videos unfairly depict residents as abandoned and neglected. Griffin counters that while initial recovery efforts relied heavily on community self-sufficiency due to the scale of the devastation, federal, state, county, and non-profit aid quickly mobilized to provide essential support. He emphasizes that FEMA’s presence has been consistently supportive, contrary to Phillips’ claims.
Sheriff Griffin also questions Phillips’ motives, suggesting the influencer is profiting from the disaster by generating views and donations through misleading content. He invited Phillips to a public discussion to address the accuracy of his reporting, a challenge Phillips accepted, although with considerable animosity.
Phillips, for his part, vehemently denies the sheriff’s accusations. In a TikTok response laced with profanity, he accuses Sheriff Griffin of being misinformed and neglecting his duties to the community. He claims his TikTok earnings are minimal and insists his reporting reflects the lived experiences of the residents he’s encountered in the affected areas. He portrays himself as an advocate for those he believes have been overlooked by authorities and maintains he has undertaken extensive research to support his claims.
The clash between the sheriff and the influencer highlights the growing concern over the spread of misinformation in times of crisis. Local, state, and federal officials have grappled with a surge of false rumors and conspiracy theories circulating online regarding Helene’s aftermath. These range from inaccurate claims about the amount of FEMA assistance available to unsubstantiated allegations about the government’s intentions for Chimney Rock.
The proliferation of misinformation has hampered recovery efforts, eroding public trust and potentially deterring disaster survivors from seeking legitimate assistance. Governor Roy Cooper has publicly condemned the spread of false information, emphasizing the harmful impact on those in need. Law enforcement agencies have reported incidents stemming from these online rumors, including one involving a man carrying an assault rifle who made threats against FEMA employees.
The ongoing dispute between Sheriff Griffin and David James Phillips underscores the challenges posed by misinformation in the digital age. Determining the veracity of claims circulating online requires careful scrutiny and reliance on credible sources. Official government websites, such as the North Carolina Department of Public Safety, provide verified information regarding Helene recovery efforts. Navigating the information landscape responsibly is crucial to ensuring that accurate information reaches those most in need.
This incident also reveals the tension that can arise between traditional authorities and citizen journalists in the age of social media. While alternative platforms offer valuable avenues for sharing information and holding officials accountable, ensuring journalistic integrity and avoiding the spread of misinformation remain paramount.
The legal proceedings against Phillips for driving on a closed highway will further complicate the situation. While the charge itself is unrelated to the content of his videos, it adds another layer to the ongoing conflict. How this legal matter unfolds and whether it will influence Phillips’ future reporting remains to be seen.
The clash between Sheriff Griffin and David James Phillips serves as a cautionary tale about the spread of misinformation in the wake of disasters. The need for accurate and verifiable information has never been more critical, and it is the responsibility of both content creators and consumers to ensure that the information shared is reliable and contributes constructively to the recovery process.
