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Case closed on false Cleary conspiracy theory - MSN

msn.com

The Nathan Cleary conspiracy theory is a textbook case of how motivated reasoning keeps false narratives alive long after the evidence has closed the case.

Motivated ReasoningConfirmation BiasBelief PerseveranceConspiracy Theory Psychology

Theory Briefing

  • Nathan Cleary has long faced a persistent false narrative despite consistent on-field performance disproving the claims.
  • The story illustrates how confirmation bias leads fans and pundits to cherry-pick evidence that fits a pre-existing negative view.
  • Once debunked, the conspiracy's collapse shows how belief perseverance fades only when counter-evidence becomes impossible to ignore.