USA Today removed 23 of its articles from its site after an internal investigation revealed one of its reporters Gabriela Miranda had fabricated sources.
“After receiving an external correction request, USA TODAY audited the reporting work of Gabriela Miranda. The audit revealed that some individuals quoted were not affiliated with the organizations claimed and appeared to be fabricated. The existence of other individuals quoted could not be independently verified. In addition, some stories included quotes that should have been credited to others” USA Today wrote in an editor’s note published on its site on Thursday afternoon.
“As a result, USA TODAY removed 23 articles from its website and other platforms for not meeting our editorial standards.” The note added that “Miranda has resigned as a reporter for USA TODAY and the USA TODAY Network.”
USA Today allegedly took steps to deceive investigators looking into her sources by concocting fake evidence and fake interviews, according to a source.
Miranda’s most recent article for the outlet was published on April 17 about the Ever Forward cargo ship that was stuck in the Chesapeake Bay was freed after a month.
Among the fabricated stories or sources was an article Miranda wrote about the Texas abortion law and Georgia redistricting among others.
Miranda had previously covered education and the Hispanic community with The Gainesville Times before moving to USA Today, according to her website. She graduated from the University of Georgia in 2021.