A photograph that has circulated on social media for years, which falsely purports to show U.S. Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts alongside convicted sex offender Ghislaine Maxwell, has been confirmed to be miscaptioned. Despite its popularity, this image does not depict Roberts; instead, it features French modeling agent Jean-Luc Brunel, who died in prison in 2022.
The misleading photo gained renewed attention on August 31, 2025, when an Instagram post from user @kiltchaser_ garnered over 32,000 reactions. The caption accompanying the image stated: “Justice Roberts with Maxwell…guess who is comprised now.” This post, along with similar iterations on platforms like Threads and Facebook, contributed to the ongoing confusion surrounding the photograph’s authenticity.
Background on the Image’s Origin
A reverse-image search utilizing TinEye indicates that the photo first appeared on the Daily Mail website. Previous fact-checking efforts by organizations such as Snopes, Reuters, and LeadStories have already established that the image does not include Roberts, reaffirming that the man alongside Maxwell is indeed Brunel.
The circulation of this photograph reflects a broader trend of misinformation on social media, where images can be easily misattributed and shared without proper verification. The case highlights the importance of fact-checking, particularly in an era where visuals can significantly influence public perception and discourse.
The Implications of Misinformation
The impact of such misidentified images can extend beyond mere confusion. They can contribute to the erosion of trust in legitimate news sources and institutions, as well as potentially harm reputations unjustly. The case of Maxwell, who has been at the center of controversies linked to her association with Jeffrey Epstein, underscores the sensitivity surrounding discussions of her image and connections.
In conclusion, while the photograph of Ghislaine Maxwell is indeed real, the claims linking it to John Roberts are false. As misinformation continues to spread rapidly across social media platforms, it is crucial for users to critically evaluate the sources of the images and claims they encounter.
