Stories concerning celebrities and scandals frequently catch our interest in the world of entertainment. The cast of the well-known TV show The Vampire Diaries was the subject of an odd rumour that claimed they were arrested for misconduct or “flashing” on a bridge. Online mugshots of the actresses from the show were released, including Nina Dobrev, Sara Canning, Kayla Ewell, and Candice King, which sparked interest and discussion. But when we dive deeper into this topic, we find that reality often differs quite significantly from fantasy.
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The story started when Twitter user @notgwendalupe, posted a picture of the four actresses and made a bold claim. According to the tweet, these stars were arrested for “flashing drivers and hanging from a bridge” exactly 14 years ago. The tweet sounded so certain that it seemed true, but it turned out to be full of mistakes.
Firstly, the tweet got the date all wrong, stating that the arrest happened on August 26, 2009. However, official records show that it took place on August 22, 2009.
Secondly, the tweet suggested that the actresses were arrested for flashing motorists, but that’s not accurate. They were actually arrested for disorderly conduct, not indecent exposure.
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When the incident occurred, Sara Canning and her fellow actresses publicly denied any involvement in flashing motorists. Canning even expressed frustration that the false story was taking attention away from the show’s record-breaking ratings, as The Vampire Diaries had just premiered to much success.
The case’s legal outcome adds more weight to the idea that the flashing allegations were actually baseless. In October 2009, the case was dismissed in court when none of the defendants, including the actresses and photographer Tyler Shields, appeared in court.
Even more intriguing is the fact that Kayla Ewell, Candice King, and Nina Dobrev chose to clarify the situation. During an episode of a June 2019 episode of the podcast Directionally Challenged with Candice King and Kayla Ewell, the three actors revealed that the arrest was essentially a fake one orchestrated as a publicity stunt. There was no case number, and the only requirement was to pay a small fine.
Just hours before the show’s premiere, their mugshots were released. This strongly shows that this was a purposeful marketing strategy by the show’s writers. Some believe that it unfairly hurt the actresses’ reputations, while others see it as a humorous form of promotion for the series.
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This viral story about the Vampire Diaries cast’s arrest for flashing drivers and hanging from a bridge reminds us of the dangers of misinformation in the digital age. Sensationalized stories can quickly overshadow the truth if proper research isn’t carried out. In this case, the debunked tale highlights the importance of fact-checking in a world where captivating stories can spread rapidly.
While the false narrative may have grabbed headlines, the real story reveals how young actors found themselves unwittingly involved in a calculated publicity stunt for virality. Ultimately, it’s a lesson in the power of misinformation and our enduring fascination with celebrity scandals in today’s entertainment-driven culture.
