News24 | Zapiro falls victim to Facebook hack

Cartoonist Jonathan ‘Zapiro’ Shapiro said his verified Facebook account was hacked after pro-MAGA posts appeared on Thursday.

• Jonathan Shapiro’s account shared polarising content, including tributes to slain conservative political activist and commentator Charlie Kirk.
• Some followers were shocked by the content while others expressed disappointment, wishing the posts were genuine upon being informed of the hack.
• The cartoonist urged followers to disregard the posts and assured them he was working to resolve the matter.

Editorial cartoonist Jonathan Shapiro, better known as Zapiro and widely recognised for his sharp critique and creative satire, warned that his verified Facebook account was hacked on Thursday.

The intrusion caused a stir due to the posting of pro-MAGA content that sharply contrasted his usual work.

On Thursday, one post included an image dedicated to slain conservative political activist and commentator Charlie Kirk.

The image featured a painting of Kirk by artist Sam Ryan, accompanied by the text: “Charlie Kirk: His death is exposing the truth”.

In another post on Shapiro’s account, a photo of a covered LGBTQ mural was shown alongside the original colourful version, accompanied by the caption: “Florida just obliterated the LGBTQ mural in Delray Beach. Does it upset you?”

READ | Cartoonist Zapiro on his new doccie and why it pays to be a rebel

The account also commented on its own posts, celebrating American comedian and TV host Jimmy Kimmel being taken off air by channel ABC over comments he made about Kirk, stating that The View, an all-women American talk show, should be next:

Shapiro wrote on the account that it had been hacked, pleading with his followers to ignore the posts and any contact or requests being made.

“Hoping to have it sorted ASAP!”

Some of his followers responded, stating they had noticed something was amiss.

One user commented: “thought as much, when I saw the anti woke and pro MAGA messaging”.

Others, however, expressed disappointment upon learning it was a hack, with one saying they had thought Shapiro had finally “come to his senses”.

Approached for comment, Shapiro said he would comment later.