USA Today removed 23 articles written by Miranda for not meeting the outlet’s “editorial standards” after the several-week investigation.
As USA Today explained:
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.
Although the links to the now-removed stories are still up, the text of the articles has been replaced with an editor’s note that says, “This story has been removed from our platforms because it does not meet our standards.”
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USA Today pledged to “reinforce and strengthen” its reporting and editing diligence after removing the fabricated stories.