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James Franco Posts TikTok Alien, Critics Call It Staged

7/14/2026

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Summary

Story summary

James Franco posted a TikTok video on July 13, 2026 showing an alien-like figure near his home.
He claimed on June 3, 2026 an alien visited his property and his TikTok was watched and hacked.
On June 15, 2026 he promised proof on July 13.
Viewers mocked the clip as fake and speculated it promoted a film.
The Hollywood Reporter received no comment and noted none of his projects involve extraterrestrials.

History

Historical Context

The 1938 Orson Welles radio dramatization of *War of the Worlds* sparked panic that led the FCC to log over 2,000 complaints and CBS to cite roughly 12 million listeners. In June 2026, actor James Franco posted a TikTok showing a hovering alien figure, prompting the Hollywood Reporter and users to call it a hoax and urging the FCC to tighten verification of viral claims.

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Story summary

James Franco posted a TikTok video on July 13, 2026 showing an alien-like figure near his home.
He claimed on June 3, 2026 an alien visited his property and his TikTok was watched and hacked.
On June 15, 2026 he promised proof on July 13.
Viewers mocked the clip as fake and speculated it promoted a film.
The Hollywood Reporter received no comment and noted none of his projects involve extraterrestrials.

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