Spencer Pratt is facing criticism after sharing an unverified rumor about Texas Senate candidate James Talarico’s health and suggesting his campaign had stopped actively planning events. Pratt presented the information as coming from unnamed sources, but commenters quickly questioned his credibility and criticized him for circulating sensitive personal claims without providing evidence.
The post has sparked a larger argument about political misinformation and how quickly speculation can spread during an election campaign. While Pratt framed his remarks as an expression of concern for Talarico, several commenters accused him of exploiting the candidate’s reported absence from campaign events to generate political controversy.
Pratt published the claims on October 9, saying unnamed sources had provided him with information about Talarico’s health and campaign schedule. He did not provide documentation establishing the claim, and the post itself acknowledges uncertainty about whether the information was true.
Pratt writes, “If this is true, this is actually a time to pray for Talarico. We should, of course, savagely mock his smug, awful campaign advisors, by all means…and while yes, of course, this would be disqualifying for Talarico’s aspirations to be a Texas Senator, we must hold empathy for anyone undergoing crisis.“
In the same message, Pratt suggested that Talarico’s campaign advisers were responsible for placing too much pressure on the candidate. He also argues that political campaigns require resilience while claiming that a serious personal crisis would affect Talarico’s political ambitions.
Pratt’s remarks followed an earlier post in which he mocked speculation that Talarico had been absent because of the flu. The combination of the two posts drew attention because Pratt appeared to express sympathy for Talarico while simultaneously making disparaging comments about him and his campaign.
Comments and Reactions to Spencer Pratt’s James Talarico Rumor
Several commenters mocked Pratt’s reliance on unnamed sources, with one simply writing, “His sources,” followed by laughing emojis. Another commenter accused Pratt of just wanting recognition, writing, “Bronze Medal Spencer out here spreading Russian propaganda. MAGA has found their useful idiot for this cycle: Yet another washed-up nobody desperate for another 15 minutes of fame. Last time he got this desperate, he and his wife faked a divorce for attention. Look it up.“
Other reactions focused on Talarico’s absence from the campaign trail and the explanation provided by his team. A different commenter wrote, “You losers going crazy over him having the flu but fine with Mitch being brain dead.”
Not everyone responded with criticism, as one commenter expressed sympathy and offered prayers for Talarico. Nevertheless, much of the discussion centered on Pratt’s decision to share an unsubstantiated rumor, and commenters have taken to the comments to share their frustrations and opinions.
