By Reuters Fact Check

Jan 24

- A parody product launch for a "micro nuclear reactor" for home use using the name of collapsed energy firm Enron Corp. has misled social media users online, some of whom took the item to be real.

The launch video was posted online with the caption, "Woah. Enron just introduced the 'Enron Egg' - the world's first micro-nuclear reactor for residential use that can power your entire home for up to TEN YEARS! Thoughts?"

However, the device was launched by a parody company using the Enron brand. There is no evidence it is an authentic product.

Enron filed for bankruptcy on Dec. 2, 2001. In December 2024, a parody company was launched using its name. A U.S. Patent and Trademark Office document shows that The College Company LLC, owned by Connor Gaydos, bought the Enron Trademark in 2020.

In a video published on the parody company's website, new CEO Gaydos introduced the Enron Egg.

The new Enron also posted about the product in a Jan. 6 X post.

The Terms of Use and Conditions of Sale page on Enron's website states, "THE INFORMATION ON THE WEBSITE IS FIRST AMENDMENT PROTECTED PARODY, REPRESENTS PERFORMANCE ART, AND IS FOR ENTERTAINMENT PURPOSES ONLY."

Gaydos and Peter McIndoe are known for creating the "Birds Aren't Real" satirical conspiracy theory. The duo has said the theory, which has been circulating since 2017, is a parody designed to fight misinformation.

Enron did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

VERDICT

Missing context. The Enron brand was relaunched as a parody. All information on its website is parody and for entertainment purposes only.

This article was produced by the Reuters Fact Check team. Read more about our fact-checking work.