Wikipedia's only citation for this being false is a commercially published book[0], but there are various reports of experimental testing, e.g.:
https://www.seriouseats.com/perfect-prime-rib-beef-recipe
https://www.cooksillustrated.com/how_tos/5699-searing-steak
[0] McGee, Harold (1990), The Curious Cook: More Kitchen Science and Lore, page 13, "The Searing Truth"
Wikipedia's only citation for this being false is a commercially published book[0], but there are various reports of experimental testing, e.g.:
https://www.seriouseats.com/perfect-prime-rib-beef-recipe
https://www.cooksillustrated.com/how_tos/5699-searing-steak
[0] McGee, Harold (1990), The Curious Cook: More Kitchen Science and Lore, page 13, "The Searing Truth"