'COVID-19 Pioneer' Ronaldo Converts Hotel into Hospital...Fake News Controversy

Soccer player Cristiano Ronaldo / Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Intern Reporter Kang Juhee] Cristiano Ronaldo (35, Juventus) is embroiled in a 'fake news' controversy over reports that he is using his hotel to help the people of his homeland Portugal, where the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) is spreading.

The Spanish newspaper Marca reported on the 15th, "Ronaldo has decided to temporarily convert his hotel 'CR7' into a hospital. Ronaldo plans to cover all renovation costs, medical staff salaries, and treatment fees." This article was widely covered by major media outlets around the world, becoming a hot topic.

However, Philippe Caetano, international news correspondent for Portuguese broadcaster TVI, posted on his Twitter, "This is fake news. Why do journalists write without fact-checking?" claiming the article is fake news.

Japanese media Sponichi Annex also reported, "After confirming with the Madeira and Lisbon CR7 hotels, the hotel side stated, 'That report is not true. Our hotel cannot become a hospital.'" Currently, the CR7 hotel website still shows availability for reservations.

It is reported that Ronaldo is currently staying at his seven-story villa in his hometown after his teammate Daniele Rugani tested positive for COVID-19 on the 12th. He has not yet issued an official statement regarding this controversy.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.