Jackie Chan became the latest celebrity to be the center of a death hoax, forcing the action movie star to respond.
There was a Facebook post saying “R.I.P. Jackie Chan,” saying that “at about 11am on Wednesday, our beloved actor Jackie Chan passed away. Jackie Chan was born on April 7, 1954 in Hong Kong. He will be missed but not forgotten,” according to Social News Daily.
But Chan responded, saying “If I am really dead, I will definitely announce it,” according to Channel News Asia.
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Following the post, there were more rumors spreading about Chan’s death. The fake news creating site Global Associated News also helped circulate the rumor, saying he died in Austria.
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The Global Associated News frequently posts fake reports about celebrities dying. The creator of the website told the New York Times several years ago that the fake articles generate web traffic. “FAKE… THIS STORY IS 100% FAKE! this is an entertainment website, and this is a totally fake article based on zero truth and is a complete work of fiction for entertainment purposes!” reads an excerpt at the bottom of the website.
Rich Hoover, the head of the Global Associated News, told the Times that he generates revenue. “I’d be lying if I said there wasn’t some twisted sense of satisfaction or accomplishment,” he said.
It wasn’t the first time that fake death rumors sprung up about Chan. There have been a number of fake “R.I.P. Jackie Chan” Facebook pages--as well as pages made about other celebrities--made in recent years.
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