Fact check: Did Tasuku Honjo reveal coronavirus is man-made?

A news has gone viral on social media where it is said that Dr Tasuku Honjo, renowned immunologist, claimed coronavirus is man-made. But the news has been proved wrong.  

A news went viral on social media claiming that Noble prize winner Dr Tasuku Honjo claimed coronavirus is a man-made virus. It was also reported that Dr Tasuku Honjo was associated with the Wuhan laboratory for four years and is acquainted with the staff.

Tasuku Honjo refuses the claim: 

In a statement released by Kyoto University, he said, "In the wake of the pain, economic loss, and unprecedented global suffering caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, I am greatly saddened that my name and that of Kyoto University have been used to spread false accusations and misinformation.” 

Honjo never worked in Wuhan laboratory:

It is also to be noted that the doctor never worked in Wuhan laboratory. He did not work on virus origin and functions and other related issues. 

The news went viral: 

Once the fake piece of news went viral on WhatsApp, it quickly caught on to other social media platforms like Twitter and Facebook.