Viral video shows US Singer Mary Millben, not senior White House diplomatic level officer Mary Bilman Criticising Rahul Gandhi
A video of a journalist interviewing someone who can be heard criticising Congress leader Rahul Gandhi is being circulated widely on social media. Those who have shared information have identified the individual as Mary Billman, a senior White House official.
In the video she can be heard saying, “I don't know Mr. Rahul, so I certainly don't want to say any comments that would be unkind. But in listening to some of his speeches and his thoughts as it relates to his ambitions, I think it's very hard for any country of any citizens to sign up or vote for a leader who doesn't speak well of his country or her country. And I found that a lot of the comments that this gentleman would make, he spoke quite negatively about his country. And I think the mark of a great leader is to recognise the value of your heritage, to recognise the value of your country. And so, I would just say, I believe that's why Prime Minister Modi is so beloved in India. And he's why he's so beloved across the world”.
Let’s check the truth.
Fact Check-
Our quick search for the name of such a White House official revealed that neither Mary Billman nor a Senior White House Diplomatic level Officer existed. Next, we conducted a reverse image search of her image on Google and the results showed that the woman in the video is an American singer by the name of Mary Millben. The viral video is from a June 2023 interview on YouTube posted by The New Indian. And the specific segment seen in the viral video begins at the timestamp of 18 minute mark.
Using this hint, we moved further and found news reports published on Times Now, dated 4 July, 2023, headlined, “Difficult To Support’: American Singer Who Touched PM Modi’s Feet Blasts Rahul Gandhi For ‘Anti-India Stance’. The report states, “American singer Mary Millben slammed the congress leader for denouncing India on foreign soil. Millben reprehended Rahul Gandhi’s remarks about India and said it is difficult for a county to vote for a leader who speaks negatively about his own nation”.
Who is Mary Millben?
Mary Millben, an award-winning American singer and media personality, has performed the national anthem and patriotic music for four US presidents (George W Bush, Barack Obama, Donald Trump, and Joe Biden). She is often referred to as America's "National Anthem Singer" in the United States and around the world.
As per the bio on her website, “Making her way to Washington, D.C, Mary served as a White House intern and White House Presidential Appointee to George W. Bush, wearing diverse hats as a junior staffer”. The pinned tweet on her official twitter account confirms that Ms. Millben does not work for The White House. And is a former White House Presidential Appointee to President George W. Bush and had performed for consecutive U.S. Presidents
Conclusion-
Fact Crescendo found the claim made along with the viral video to be Misleading. The woman in the viral video criticising Rahul Gandhi is US singer Mary Millben. She is not a senior White House diplomatic level officer in the current administration.