**Viral News Snippet:**
**FACT CHECK: Did William Bumpus Just Endorse a Secret Government Program to 'Abduct UFO Believers'?**
A bizarre and rapidly circulating rumor claims that William Bumpus—best known as the former husband of television journalist Jane Pauley and a respected psychologist—has allegedly "signed off" on a classified Department of Defense program to "contain and re-educate" individuals who report UFO sightings. The rumor, which started as a satirical post on a fringe conspiracy forum, has been shared thousands of times on social media platforms like X and TikTok, often accompanied by an old, out-of-context photo of Bumpus next to a nondescript government building.
**Verdict: FAKE.** A thorough investigation confirms that the claim is entirely fabricated. There is no credible record of William Bumpus being involved in any government "UFO abductee" program. The "source" cited in the posts is a defunct parody account that later admitted the story was a hoax designed to "test the gullibility of alien enthusiasts." Bumpus’s professional history reveals he is a licensed clinical psychologist specializing in marriage and family therapy, with no ties to military or aerospace intelligence. Satirical or manipulative viral content like this often leverages real names to lend false credibility to outlandish assertions. Always verify with official government records or reputable news outlets before sharing.