Why is the phrase "Ellen DeGeneres dead" trending? The globally renowned comedian and television host became the subject of false assertions circulating on social media, claiming that she had passed away.
Posts generated by users propagated this "fake news" primarily on the platform now known as X, formerly referred to as Twitter. The hashtag "RIPEllen" gained substantial attention, causing fans to become highly alarmed and anxious.
However, the trending posts were part of a larger trend involving unfounded rumors about Ellen DeGeneres.
How did Ellen DeGeneres' fans react? Followers of Ellen expressed considerable distress and bewilderment upon encountering this announcement.
One individual utilized Twitter to share their realization: "I just realized Ellen DeGeneres isn't dead."
Another person questioned, "Why did I think Ellen was dead?"
Thankfully, the rumors were swiftly debunked, leading to a great sense of relief for her devoted supporters.
When did the hoax originate? The misinformation campaign appears to have originated in August 2023, stemming from various posts on fake news websites and social media accounts that started to spread.
However, these falsehoods were disproven after Ellen was seen in good health, happily celebrating her wedding anniversary with Portia De Rossi.
Additional erroneous claims surfaced when beloved DJ Stephen Boss, a prominent figure on The Ellen DeGeneres Show, tragically passed away on December 13, 2022, reportedly due to suicide. This led to some confusion among fans, as certain posts mistakenly asserted that Ellen DeGeneres had passed away.
These misunderstandings were promptly rectified, and local media confirmed the heartbreaking news concerning 'tWitch' Boss.