Monday’s America’s Got Talent introduced America to Timothy Michael Poe. He appeared to be the embodiment of patriotism: a southern cowboy injured during his military service who overcame his injuries  to fulfill his dreams. Everyone wanted to believe him. For a day, we did. Now, the Associated Press reports that Poe probably lied about his injuries.

Poe did not lie about his service in Afghanistan, but he was not injured there. He did not need to lie, especially since he is talented. Poe would have been considered a hero just for serving a month in Afghanistan or any time in the military. However, Poe’s lied completely destroyed any respect America had for him.

As Howard Stern said,

“You could be the most f—ked-up liar on the planet, but you never lie about military service. This lie is so wrong on so many levels.”