Suge Knight Dies? Nope, ‘RIP’ Rumors Fly After James Avery Death

Suge Knight Dies? Nope, ‘RIP’ Rumors Fly After James Avery Death
(Photo by Mark Mainz/Getty Images)
Jack Phillips
1/1/2014
Updated:
7/18/2015

Suge Knight hasn’t died but some Twitter users started spreading rumors after “Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” actor James Avery died on Wednesday. 

There were also photos tweeted of rapper Rick Ross, saying “RIP.” To further add to the confusion, many tweeted “RIP Dr. Phil,” apparently confusing the popular talk show host with Avery’s “Fresh Prince” character Uncle Phil.

A number of Twitter users posted “RIP James Avery” and included a picture of Suge Knight, the former head of Death Row records.

Others wrote “RIP Suge Knight” and included a photo of Avery. 

“Rest in peace Suge Knight,” tweeted another user.

However, many were quick to point out the problem.

“The Suge Knight pics over RIP Uncle Phil already? The internet never surprises me on how fast they work,” wrote one Twitter user. 

Another added: “Somebody tweeted #RIPUnclePhil and put a picture of Suge Knight, I can’t..” 

Last year, when South African leader Nelson Mandela died, users posted photos of Morgan Freeman, saying “RIP Nelson Mandela.” And when former Velvet Underground frontman Lou Reed died last year, many tweeted out “RIP Lou Bega,” another singer.

Avery died on Tuesday evening, according to reports. His death was caused by complications due to open-heart surgery.

“Fresh Prince” co-star Alfonso Ribeiro confirmed Avery’s death on Wednesday.

“The world has lost a truly special man. I am very saddened to say that James Avery has passed. Even though he played my father on TV, he was a wonderful father figure to me in life. He will be deeply missed,” he wrote on Facebook.

Jack Phillips is a breaking news reporter with 15 years experience who started as a local New York City reporter. Having joined The Epoch Times' news team in 2009, Jack was born and raised near Modesto in California's Central Valley. Follow him on X: https://twitter.com/jackphillips5
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