A bizarre claim has been circulating online, suggesting a connection between the fictional address of SpongeBob SquarePants, 124 Conch Street, and the infamous private island once owned by Jeffrey Epstein. This claim, amplified through social media posts, alleges that Epstein’s island, Little St. James, is listed as “124 conch street Bikini bottom” on Google Maps, implying a link between the cartoon character’s home and the convicted sex offender. But is there any truth to this outlandish assertion? Let’s dive into the facts and debunk this misinformation.
The claim originates from social media posts showcasing SpongeBob’s address from the animated series and a purported Google search result for “little st james island theme park.” This manipulated search result falsely displays “Ledges of Little St. James” as a “theme park in the United States Virgin Islands” with the address “124 conch street Bikini bottom, St Thomas 00802, U.S. Virgin Islands.” The posts then boldly declare, “Spongebob’s license address is Jeffrey Epstein’s private island!”
However, this assertion is entirely false. Independent fact-checking organizations have investigated and debunked this claim. Upon recreating the Google search for “little st james island theme park,” it becomes evident that the results presented in the viral posts are not consistently reproducible. Instead, credible fact-check sources quickly surfaced, contradicting the supposed link.
The key to understanding this misinformation lies in recognizing how Google Maps functions. Google Maps allows users to add locations, including businesses and landmarks. This user-generated content is subject to verification, but it also opens the door for manipulation. In this case, it appears someone deliberately added a “theme park” listing to Little St. James with the fictitious address “124 conch street Bikini bottom.” This fabricated listing, while briefly appearing in some searches, was not a legitimate or verified entry.
Satellite imagery of Little St. James Island further disproves the theme park claim. No theme park or anything resembling one exists on the island. Furthermore, no credible evidence links Jeffrey Epstein to any theme park development at that location, let alone one sharing an address with SpongeBob’s fictional home at 124 Conch Street.
False Rating
In conclusion, the claim that 124 Conch Street, SpongeBob’s address, is associated with Jeffrey Epstein’s island through a Google Maps “theme park” listing is demonstrably false. It is a piece of misinformation likely created by manipulating user-editable features on Google Maps. This incident highlights the ease with which false information can be spread online and the importance of critical evaluation and fact-checking before accepting viral claims at face value. The address 124 Conch Street remains firmly planted in the fictional underwater world of Bikini Bottom, and has no real-world connection to Little St. James Island or Jeffrey Epstein.
