[UPDATE] Is April 24 TikTok Trend False? Warning of Explicit Assaults is Baseless

A startling April 24 trend on TikTok which made rounds on social media noted some warnings in line with the Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month.

This was connected to the "National Rape Day" which was initiated by six unidentified men who were reported to encourage everyone to commit explicit acts like rape and sexual assaults on Apr. 24. They even shared some tips on how to do such acts.

The intensity of comments has flooded across several outlets including TikTok, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. However, even the video-sharing company could not seek any strong proof about the origin of the controversial statement.

April 24 TikTok Trend is Fake News?

USA TODAY reported on Monday, Apr. 19 that the reeking April 24 trends on TikTok are "unsubstantiated."

In an image shared on Facebook by a user, the post which reads "If anyone got plans on April 24th DON'T GO OUT!!!! there are men are planning a national RAPE DAY STAY INSIDE!!!!" is marked as "False news" since the independent fact-checkers said that there is no evidence of the "National Rape Day."

Furthermore, the viral trend has served as a fear-mongering post to the public, especially to the social media users who happen to stumble on the platform.

At the time of writing, there are already 42.7 million views about the #April24 discussion which consists of a plethora of videos that caught the attention of many.

The majority of these videos feature warnings especially for the ladies and children who should not go outside during the said date. Some users even encouraged the girls to be ready with their weapons just in case the group of men attempts to harass them.

@piayboi.cj Yall really nasty asf##fyp ##WidenTheScreen ##april24 ##xyzbca ♬ tell em snippit cochise - cochise

Others denounced the unjust trend, while some stated that women should travel in groups or with trusted men. Even so, some TikTok users threatened that those who will assault women will receive punishment from them.

@skillerswagI gotchu fam#april24 #foryoupage #foryou #fyp #WidenTheScreen #trending #viral #blowthisup #xyzbca ♬ Floor 555 - XXXTENTACION

One user even posted a reference from "The Purge." The post strongly supports slaying pedophiles and rapists on Apr. 24 and calls the date "National Purge Day."

@anthony_2890This won’t be happening on my watch. #april24 #nottoday #cop #standup #stupidgames #cuffsandchains #lawenforcement #zerotolerance ♬ original sound - Cora

Apart from the usual visitors of the app, some authorities have joined the April 24 bandwagon. As shown in the short clip, an officer showed his handcuffs as a sign that he will arrest those who want to commit crimes in line with the "National Rape Day."

Before USA Today published the fact-check, over 1,000 posts from Facebook and approximately 50 posts from Instagram about the April 24 TikTok trend have circulated the social media, as per CrowdTangle.

April 24 TikTok Trend Has No Bases of the Potential Threat

Since the announcement about six men erupted on the platforms, the original video has not yet been uncovered. However, TikTok told USA TODAY in a statement that it did not seek the origin of the said clip.

In an email, a spokesperson from TikTok said that maintaining the safety of the community is their priority. Moreover, the promotion of vile motives such as non-consensual acts of rape and sexual assaults will not be tolerated on the platform.

While we have not found evidence on our platform of any videos related to this subject, our safety team is remaining vigilant and we will remove content that violates our policies," the spokesperson added.

This article is owned by Tech Times

Written by Joen Coronel