Celebrities often fall victim of “sudden death” Internet hoaxes. Often rumors appear while idols of millions are sleeping soundly in their beds. For instance, Natalie Portman was recently reported dead in online media.
Some Russian media also hastened to republish the “breaking news” of the Israeli American actress having perished while shooting in New Zealand. The information appeared on the Global Associated News web site and was immediately swooped upon by irresponsible media.
The original message popped up online on Wednesday morning, referring to sources in the New Zealand police. The report said “preliminary reports from New Zealand Police officials indicate that the actress fell more than 60 feet to her death on the Kauri Cliffs while on-set.” Russian-speaking NEWSru Israel republished this information.
The Google search engine, however, have not yet revealed any official sources confirming Natalie Portman to be dead. That’s Global Associated News claiming the actress’s dead, in the top search results on Google. Right below it, you see other reports saying the rumor is “false”.
Other Hollywood stars also fall victims to death rumors. Actress Nicole Kidman "passed away" several times. Once she fell to death off a cliff in New Zeland in 2006 (which is suspiciously similar to Natalie Portman’s latest tragic story), and several months ago she was reported to have perished in a car accident. Bloggers hastened to spread the tragic news. Later the information was proven false.
Hackers “killed” Britney Spears and Diddy, having cracked their Twitter pages. Similar death notices were posted on each of them.
Despite what you may have seen online, George Clooney, Britney Spears, Nicole Kidman and other victims of rumors are alive.
But if somebody thinks it’s a misfortune to be reported dead while you’re alive and kicking, welcome the good old Russian saying: if something bad happens – it’s for the better!