It started as a post on Facebook. Robert De Niro was shopping at Room on Hertel, the post read. And there was a picture to 'prove' it. And that lit the social media fuse.
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Commenters immediately proclaimed their excitement that the legendary actor was doing his Christmas shopping on Hertel Avenue at one of Buffalo's best retailers. Then the story made its way to Twitter where users expressed disappointment that they didn't hear the De Niro news quicker.
And now Buffalo.com has reported that "Mr. De Niro was spotted at Room on Hertel Avenue this weekend."
But here's the thing: it wasn't Robert De Niro. He wasn't taking a Midnight Run on Hertel to get some Christmas gifts. We're familiar with the gentleman in the photo and he's not Robert De Niro.
What's next - a report that Lady Gaga was at Ted's on Sheridan?
Doesn't even look like him.