A viral rumor claiming that Attorney General Pam Bondi insulted U.S. Representative Jasmine Crockett by telling her to “Go back to Africa” has been debunked as false, yet it continues to stir heated reactions across social and traditional media. The claim, which surfaced in late April 2025, alleged that Bondi made the racist remark, prompting a dramatic response from Crockett that “shocked all of America.” However, investigations reveal no evidence to support this narrative, highlighting the dangers of misinformation in a polarized political climate.

The rumor appears to have originated from a YouTube video on the channel Mr. Noah’s Stories, which garnered over 438,000 views. Titled “Pam Bondi INSULTS Jasmine Crockett: ‘Go back to Africa’—But Her Response Shocks All Of America,” the video falsely attributed the derogatory phrase to Bondi. Similar claims also misattributed the remark to White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, further muddying the waters. Snopes, a fact-checking outlet, traced the falsehood to YouTube channel DP Insights, which posted a related video on April 25, 2025, sparking widespread sharing. Neither Bondi nor Crockett’s offices have confirmed any such incident, and no credible news reports or C-SPAN footage substantiate the claim.

Despite its falsity, the rumor has fueled tensions, particularly given existing friction between Bondi and Crockett. In March 2025, Bondi publicly criticized Crockett over comments perceived as inflammatory, suggesting she could face congressional censure. Crockett responded by accusing Bondi of threatening her on Fox News and linking the Attorney General’s actions to broader issues with the Trump administration, including its handling of January 6th defendants. Posts on X reflect the divide, with some users like @GuntherEagleman praising Bondi’s tough stance, while others, like @EricLDaugh, amplified Crockett’s outrage over perceived intimidation. The false “Go back to Africa” claim has thus been layered onto this pre-existing feud, exacerbating partisan divides.

The spread of this misinformation underscores the challenges of combating falsehoods in the digital age. YouTube’s algorithm and social media platforms like X amplified the rumor, with some channels exploiting the controversy for clicks. Critics argue this incident reflects a broader pattern of targeting Black public figures with racially charged falsehoods, citing Crockett’s prominence as a vocal Black congresswoman. Supporters of Bondi, meanwhile, see the rumor as an attempt to smear a conservative figure enforcing tough-on-crime policies.

Crockett has not directly addressed the “Go back to Africa” claim, but her measured responses to prior disputes with Bondi suggest she may choose to focus on policy over sensationalism. The episode serves as a cautionary tale about the power of unverified narratives to inflame divisions. As America grapples with political polarization, distinguishing fact from fiction remains critical to fostering informed discourse.