I can't think of it off the top of my head but I'm certain something like The Simpsons or Family Guy used it as a joke where they did get run over. I don't think it's claimed anywhere but it did become part of the story for some people. I can easily see how someone who doesn't quite understand the situation, but is also sceptical to truth would think that.

Take someone who assumes he was run over, tell them 'well actually he wasn't, the perspective of the picture makes it look like he's about to be.' and some of those people will jump to the conclusion it was fake. Especially in the past 40 (?) Years where a lot of people get their history from TV.