Fact check: Viral posts claiming Alex Eala commented on Charlie Kirk’s death are false

Composite photo shows Filipina tennis ace Alex Eala and a wreath laid out for right-wing activist Charlie Kirk.

WTA / Sao Pailo Open ; AFP / Phill Magakoe

MANILA, Philippines — Right-wing activist and influencer Charlie Kirk was shot in the neck and killed while speaking at an event at Utah Valley University on Thursday, September 11 (Manila time). While many have shared their reactions, circulating posts claiming Filipina tennis star Alex Eala commented on the incident are false.

Several athletes, including NBA stars Michael Porter Jr., Patrick Beverley and Dwight Howard, posted statements regarding Kirk’s death.

UFC fighters Colby Covington, Sean Strickland and Aljamain Sterling also slammed the shooting of Kirk in separate social media posts.

Several Filipino celebrities likewise mourned the death of Kirk.

But a tennis Facebook page, Tennis Together, said an emotional Eala “shared her deep grief” on Kirk’s death.

“She said that Mr. Kirk — who had silently supported and paved the way for her first career opportunities — had always been a great spiritual support,” Tennis Together’s Thursday post claimed.

“Through tears, Eala choked up and said: 'Every victory I have from now on will be in memory of him. I will continue to fight, because that is the only way to thank him for the trust and kindness he gave me,'" it added.

Another Facebook post, made Thursday evening, said that the 20-year-old called “for a moment of silence in memory of Charlie Kirk.”

Another one made Friday morning, September 12, said the Filipina went to the US to pay respects to “her godfather.”

“She choked up: “I will come to you one last time… rest in peace, I will always make you proud,” the page claimed.

RATING: This is false.

Facts

The posts showed Eala, who is coming off a second-round win over Julia Riera of Argentina, 6-1, 6-4, in the Sao Paulo Open.

There is currently no proof that Eala, who is currently having a historic year, has made these types of statements regarding Kirk. There is also no proof that Kirk is Eala’s godfather.

After winning over Riera, she made her speech, saying that Brazilians are “super hospitable.”

“That’s one thing I think that we have in common with the Philippines. I’m feeling at home and I love the atmosphere tonight,” she said in a speech.

Eala’s last social media post was after winning over Riera.

Her social media posts usually state updates on her tennis journey, and not her political views.

Why we fact-checked this

The first post supposedly saying Kirk “had always been a great spiritual support” had more than 115,000 reactions on Facebook and over 1,900 comments. The post was shared more than 5,700 times.

Sports journalist Carlo Pamintuan commented on the “post,” slamming it as he asked, “Yall really believe [things] like this?”

Other comments, though, said Eala “has a very soft and grateful heart full of love,” and that she has “such a strong and brave soul” and “her words are so inspiring.”

Another commenter said he is “deeply moved by Alexandra Eala's heartfelt tribute to her mentor, Mr. Kirk; her strength in the face of tragedy is truly inspiring.”

One more said Eala’s “action” was an “incredibly heartfelt and emotional tribute to someone who clearly made a huge impact on her life, it's beautiful to see her strength and determination shine through in her words and actions.”

The post made Thursday evening, on the other hand, garnered more than 6,100 reactions, 358 shares and 224 comments as of publication time. A commenter said Eala is “an ambassador for our humanity,” while another said Eala’s words “are truly inspiring.”

However, another netizen called it out, humorously making a Jeopardy-like joke.

“I'll take $100 on things that never happened. What is "Alex Eala's reaction to the death of Charlie Kirk,” social media user Jam Jam said.

Another, Ryan Marsh, said that Eala “did not” make the comment, which garnered one angry reaction.

More netizens slammed the “statement,” calling out the page for fake news, including lawyer Jesus Falcis. Others even called for the page to be reported, while a bulk of the commenters also cursed at the page.

Still, some seemingly believed it.

The Facebook page also posted several Eala fake news, including one that she received red roses from NBA star and New York Knicks Jordan Clarkson.

The page is still up and running, with more than 11,000 followers.