How the rumor started
A few weeks ago, social media users were shocked to see a headline claiming that Madonna, the pop icon and global superstar, was “clinically brain dead” with no chance of recovery. The headline appeared to be from TMZ, a popular celebrity news website, and was accompanied by a black-and-white photo of Madonna. The headline read: “THIS IS THE END MADONNA CLINICALLY BRAIN DEAD…With No Chance of Recovery” .
The image quickly went viral, spreading across various platforms such as Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook. Many fans expressed their disbelief and sadness, while others questioned the authenticity of the source. Some even speculated that the headline was part of a publicity stunt for Madonna’s upcoming tour, which was scheduled to start in July 2023.
The truth behind the hoax
However, the headline was completely fabricated and had no basis in reality. TMZ never published such a story, and the image was an edited screenshot of a real article from the website. The original article, dated June 29, 2023, was titled: “MADONNA STILL TOO SICK TO GET OUT OF BED… Opening Tour Dates Uncertain” . It reported that Madonna had developed a serious bacterial infection and was hospitalized for several days. It also used a color photo of Madonna, unlike the fake one.
TMZ confirmed to AP News that they never published the headline and said the image was “clearly something someone on social media has put together that has no relationship to TMZ” . AP News also debunked the hoax as part of their effort to address widely shared misinformation online.
Madonna herself also posted a statement on Instagram on July 10, 2023, saying that she was “on the road to recovery” after being treated for a bacterial infection. She thanked her fans for their support and prayers, and announced that she would reschedule the North American leg of her Celebration Tour, which was supposed to kick off on July 15 in Vancouver. She said she was “getting stronger” and looked forward to performing for her fans soon .
The impact of the hoax
The hoax was not only disrespectful and insensitive to Madonna and her family, but also potentially harmful to her fans and the public. It could have caused emotional distress, confusion, and panic among those who believed it. It could have also damaged Madonna’s reputation and career, as well as the credibility of TMZ and other news outlets.
The hoax also highlighted the need for media literacy and critical thinking skills in the age of social media, where anyone can create and share false information with ease. It is important to verify the source and accuracy of any news or information before believing or sharing it. According to THIP Media, a health news fact-checking website, some of the ways to spot a fake news story are:
- Check the URL of the website. Fake news websites often use misleading or similar-sounding domains to trick readers.
- Check the date and time of the publication. Fake news stories may use old or irrelevant dates to make them seem more current or relevant.
- Check the author and the sources. Fake news stories may not have an author or may use anonymous or unreliable sources. They may also use fabricated quotes or statistics.
- Check the tone and language. Fake news stories may use sensationalist, exaggerated, or emotional language to attract attention and manipulate emotions.
- Check the facts. Fake news stories may contain factual errors, inconsistencies, or contradictions. They may also omit or distort important details or context
Conclusion
The rumor that Madonna was brain dead was a malicious and baseless hoax that was created and spread by unknown individuals on social media. It was not reported by any credible news outlet, and was debunked by TMZ and AP News. Madonna herself also confirmed that she was recovering from a bacterial infection and was not in any life-threatening condition. The hoax served as a reminder of the dangers of fake news and the importance of media literacy and critical thinking in the digital era.
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