A document claiming that ABC News colluded with Kamala Harris's team before a presidential debate has caused a social media uproar, and the allegations, although still unverified, have fueled debates across multiple platforms, despite firm denials from ABC News and the document’s lack of credibility.

The controversial affidavit alleges that Harris was given debate questions in advance and a host of other advantages, claims that ABC News has seemingly denied, as the Daily Mail reports.

The document surfaced on social media, appearing to be a sworn affidavit executed on Sept. 9. It claims ABC News provided Harris with questions before the debate and agreed to preconditions that would favor her over her opponent, Donald Trump. These claims have stirred political tension and led to public calls for investigations, even though the document remains unverified and contains several redactions.

ABC Issues Strong Denials Amid Growing Social Media Buzz

ABC News swiftly responded to the controversy. In an initial statement, the network emphasized that it adhered to debate rules agreed upon by both campaigns, which strictly prohibit sharing topics or questions in advance. The network doubled down on its defense with a later, stronger denial through a spokesperson, stating Harris was not given any debate questions beforehand.

The affidavit, purportedly written by a male ABC News staffer with over a decade of service, adds another layer of intrigue. The individual claims to have sent the document directly to House Speaker Mike Johnson, but neither Johnson nor any official sources have publicly commented on the matter.

The controversy was further amplified when the document first appeared on the social media account of Philip Anderson, a well-known conservative influencer and participant in the Jan. 6 Capitol unrest. This led to increased attention from figures on both sides of the political spectrum.

High-Profile Figures Engage with Document

As the document spread across social media, prominent individuals like hedge fund manager Bill Ackman and Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene weighed in. Ackman stated that he found the allegations credible, citing specific details in the affidavit, such as Harris’s smaller podium size, which was revealed after the debate.

Meanwhile, Greene amplified the claims but later had to issue a correction. After initially claiming that the whistleblower who penned the document had died in a car accident, Greene retracted the statement, acknowledging the information was false. However, she continued to call for an investigation into the allegations, underscoring the need for transparency.

Allegations Address Harris's Debate Experience

The document raises several other key allegations, including claims that Harris would not be fact-checked in real-time during the debate, while Trump would face more scrutiny. According to the affidavit, Harris was also shielded from questions concerning President Joe Biden’s health, her controversial tenure as California’s attorney general, and the involvement of her brother-in-law, Tony West, in her political career.

Tony West, a high-profile attorney and prominent figure in Harris’s campaign, is mentioned multiple times in the document, which includes unsubstantiated allegations against him. These references further fuel suspicions from critics who claim Harris was given an unfair advantage during the debate.

Affidavit's Origins and Redactions Raise Concerns

Despite its viral nature, the document has several elements that some say cast doubt on its authenticity. It includes multiple redactions that includes details of the notary public’s seal, which is critical for verifying the legitimacy of the affidavit.

Still, the post containing the affidavit has attracted almost 8 million views in just over 24 hours, showing the power of social media in amplifying unverified claims.

ABC Denies Claims of Preferential Treatment

As the controversy continues to unfold, ABC News remains firm in its position, denying that Harris received questions in advance.

In a broader statement, ABC News reiterated its adherence to the debate rules that both campaigns agreed to, stressing that "no topics or questions will be shared in advance with campaigns or candidates." This statement aligns with the network's earlier responses to the document's claims, aiming to quash any lingering suspicions of favoritism.

Calls for Investigation Grow Louder

Despite ABC’s denials, the story continues to gain traction. With influential figures like Ackman and Greene calling for deeper investigations, the conversation has shifted from the document’s authenticity to a broader question of media integrity. Both individuals argue that even the possibility of collusion between the media and political candidates warrants further scrutiny.

Greene, in particular, has doubled down on her calls for an investigation, citing concerns over the potential impact on public trust in future elections. "We need a serious investigation," she declared, repeating her demands for more transparency into the whistleblower’s report.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the allegations against ABC News and Kamala Harris have ignited a significant debate, despite the lack of verification for the claims made in the document.

ABC News has issued strong denials, reaffirming its adherence to debate rules, while the controversial affidavit continues to spread online, prompting calls for an investigation.

As of now, the allegations remain unproven, but the incident has highlighted the powerful role of social media in fueling political discourse, even when the facts are unclear.