Some analysis of the statement that he ha admitted his reporting should not be considered factual:
No, Nick Shirley did not admit that his reporting should not be taken “factually.”
The claim appears to stem from a January 2026 allegation by journalist Caolan Robertson, who stated on X (formerly Twitter) and in interviews that he confronted Shirley in Kyiv, Ukraine, over past videos downplaying or misrepresenting the Russia-Ukraine war. According to Robertson, Shirley responded by saying his work “wasn’t journalism, it was satire.” This has been cited by critics (e.g., in articles from Hindustan Times and Times of India) to question Shirley’s overall credibility, especially amid scrutiny of his December 2025 viral video alleging fraud at Somali-run child care centers in Minnesota.
However:
- This alleged statement refers specifically to Shirley’s earlier Ukraine-related content (described by critics as misleading or denialist), not his general reporting or the Minnesota investigation.
- Shirley has consistently defended his work as independent journalism, including the Minnesota video, in interviews (e.g., with CNN, Fox News, and PBD Podcast), emphasizing on-the-ground evidence and public records.
- No direct quote, video, or verifiable evidence from Shirley himself broadly stating his reporting “should not be taken factually” has surfaced in searches across news sources or X posts.
- Shirley presents himself as a serious “citizen journalist” (e.g., awarded by James O’Keefe in 2025) and has pushed back against media criticism, calling mainstream outlets biased rather than conceding inaccuracy.
AnchoriteMagus@lemmy.world 5 days ago
www.startribune.com/…/601555911