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Online nutters demand Artemis II reporter ‘touch grass’ to prove launch isn’t fake

He bent down and picked up tufts of grass, then did some jumping jacks in the sun as the launch timer and rocket stood in the background.

Published April 2, 2026, 5:47 PM
Updated April 2, 2026, 5:58 PM3.1K
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Online nutters demand Artemis II reporter ‘touch grass’ to prove launch isn’t fake

Conservative podcast host broadcasting from the Artemis II launch in Florida took a moment to show wacko conspiracy theorists that he really was on-site for the historic moment.

“Go touch the grass, it looks like a greenscreen,” streamer Michael Knowles said Wednesday while reading a viewer’s comment.

Michael Knowles, wearing sunglasses, a blue suit, and a red and white striped tie, gesturing with his hands as he speaks outdoors with a digital countdown timer behind him.

Michael Knowles was accused of using a green screen. X / @michaeljknowles

Follow the latest on NASA’s Artemis launch:

The Artemis II's 10-day journey.

The Artemis II’s 10-day journey. Donald Pearsall / NY Post Design/ NASA

Orion pod for Artemis II mission

The Orion capsule being used in the Artemis II mission. Donald Pearsall / NY Post Design / ESA

“Fine, you know what fine!” he said. “I need to prove to you that this is real!”

Knowles then took of his microphone and headphones and left his streaming stage for the lawn behind him.

He bent down and picked up tufts of grass, then did some jumping jacks in the sun as the launch timer and rocket stood in the background.

“Did that do it? I hope that did it!” he said in the humorous moment. “Did I convince you that this is real?”

Michael Knowles standing in a field with a countdown clock, an American flag, and spectators in the background.

The podcaster literally went to touch grass to prove he was at the launch. X / @michaeljknowles

As has been the case in the decades since Apollo 11 landed on the moon in 1969, conspiracy theorists have been trying to question whether the Artemis II launch was real.

The launch date falling on April 1 — April Fool’s Day — has not helped NASA’s case, even though there is ample evidence that mankind has not only been the moon but is on its way back.

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