It started with one of those rare, wholesome moments that sports fans live for. An NBA legend stepping up to make a young fan’s day—what could possibly go wrong? But in today’s social media-fueled world, even the purest gestures aren’t safe from skepticism. And now, a feel-good story involving Robert Horry, a young Lakers fan, and a fire-damaged jersey is being viewed through a very different angle.

Just a few weeks ago, 8-year-old George captured hearts across the internet. His family had lost nearly everything in the devastating LA fires back in January, including a cherished signed jersey from Lakers great Robert Horry. George, a die-hard Lakers fan, lit up when a host on a TV segment surprised him live on air. “We have Robert Horry here with the jersey just for you,” they said— and suddenly, George was face-to-face with a childhood hero, receiving an autograph and a warm hug in a genuinely emotional moment.

The caption read: “8-year-old George’s signed Robert Horry jersey was lost in the LA fires in January, and we were able to help him receive another one from Robert himself.” George’s father spoke emotionally about how the jersey was one of the most treasured items they lost in the fire. The kid, meanwhile, was stunned-speechless. His favorite player now is Luka Doncic, and before that, it was LeBron James. But Horry’s jersey? That was a symbol—a connection to the team, to the city, and a legacy.

But just when the internet was rallying behind the story, comparisons began flying in—and doubts followed close behind. Fans on social media were quick to recall the recent Victor Wembanyama jersey fiasco, where a heartfelt post-game jersey swap turned into an auction spectacle. The jersey Wemby gave to a 5-year-old boy ended up on the auction block, selling for over $73,000, sparking backlash and even legal drama. What began as a touching moment turned into a media storm, with many accusing the boy’s father of exploiting the gesture.

Another Wembanyama moment in the making?

As a result of the Wembanyama incident, fans are now suspicious of even the most genuine cases. Is George’s newly signed Horry jersey going to end up on eBay next month? Some users online have already speculated—unfairly or not—that history might repeat itself. There have been conspiracies after the episode was aired online. Some guys commented on Instagram, saying,” That kid never saw Robert Horry play. This was for the dad,” which might just be true. Given at the end of the show, Horry himself thanked the kid for choosing him even though he didn’t have good plays.

Wemby’s moment, too, was meant to connect with a fan, not end up as a legal hurdle. Unfortunately, because of that very public letdown, fans are watching the “heartfelt” moments with more caution than ever. Even a sweet hug and a fresh jersey from Robert Horry can’t escape the cloud left behind by that $73K debacle. “Robert Horry retired years before this kid was even born! How is he a fan of a (great) role player he hasn’t watched?!” said another fan on the internet. This time, the explanation might be logical enough, and it makes sense. Someone else said, “This dad used his kid to get on the show,” accusing the father of misusing his kid’s fame for personal benefits.

In the end, we all want to believe. We want to believe that George will hang that jersey in his room and treasure it for life. That the gesture from Horry was about legacy, kindness, and healing after loss. But after Wemby’s situation, it’s getting harder to separate feel-good from feel-suspicious, and that’s a sad commentary on where we are right now.