George Takei's Olympic Torchbearer News Was an April Fool's Prank!

George Takei made headlines earlier today with the news that he was set to be the final torch bearer for the upcoming 2021 Olympic Games.

Turns out though that it was all an April Fool’s prank!

“This will be such a unique moment, before the eyes of a billion people, lighting the torch as a symbol of hope for the future in 2021 in Tokyo,” George wrote on Facebook earlier today. “As a life-long runner, I’m especially grateful to have been chosen, and hope to do everyone in the US of A proud!”

George later revealed that it was all a joke on his Instagram page.

“Yes, friends, I’m afraid this was an April Fools prank, a bit of levity in an otherwise dark time,” he shared, adding, “And while I’ll not be lighting that fire myself, my eyes will look upon it as a symbol of our triumph over this invisible foe and a reuniting of the global community.”

The 2020 Olympic Games, which were set for later this summer, have been rescheduled for 2021. See the new dates here!