Controversy continues to surround the viral claim about a monkeypox case in the Madrid metro, a narrative that gained traction after a high-profile immunologist, Alfredo Corell, challenged an online thread and asserted that much of the story circulating on social media was untrue. The episode began when Corell called into a television segment to question the authenticity of a Twitter thread that appeared to describe an injured man in the metro and linked him to a suspected monkeypox case. In this public conversation, the man at the center of the rumor spoke out on live television, aiming to set the record straight and emphasize that he had never suffered from the disease.
Miguel Ángel Muñoz, the subject of much of the online speculation, joined the discussion to clarify his personal medical history. He explained that he received the smallpox vaccine during childhood because vaccination campaigns at the time were widespread and routine. He also stated that he had never interacted with the author of the viral thread, noting that the individual who authored the online post had never contacted him to verify any details. Muñoz stressed that there was no direct communication from the thread’s author and that no conversation ever took place between them.
Muñoz, who lives with neurofibromatosis, spoke openly about his condition, saying he has no hesitation in describing what he experiences. He highlighted that sharing these aspects of his health can help other people with similar conditions feel seen and less isolated, while also underscoring that a medical condition should not be exploited to spread rumors. A host of the program corroborated his account, indicating that the show possessed medical documentation confirming his dermatological condition and serving to counter the viral narrative.
According to Muñoz, the symptoms associated with his condition are visible and tangible. He described brown skin changes and the development of tumors that appear on his arms, abdomen, and back, noting that these physical signs are part of his daily life. He also expressed concern about potential harassment or aggression that could arise because of the online attention and the spread of misinformation across social networks. The fear of social media backlash was a recurring theme during the interview, reflecting a broader pattern where individuals with visible medical conditions encounter scrutiny and judgment online.
During the discussion, Muñoz voiced his intention to pursue legal action regarding the astronomical spread of the rumor. He criticized the idea that someone could pose as a doctor and cause trouble simply by sharing misleading information. He explained that he had sought legal counsel and was prepared to seek redress for the harm caused by the false claims. Although he mentioned having some financial obligations at that moment, he stressed that the priority was accountability and ensuring that the individual behind the misinformation would be held responsible for their actions. The case has ignited a broader conversation about the responsibilities of social media users, the verification of medical claims, and the safeguards needed to protect individuals from defamation and harm in an online environment.