Like many celebrities before her, pop-singer Miley Cyrus, 21, was the victim of a death hoax. The rumors began due to a Facebook scam, but they continued to perpetuate and alarm her fans when Cyrus was absent from social media for three days.
According to The Epoch Times, the viral hoax read: “Miley Cyrus died in her Los Angeles home due to an overdose.” The link then led to the description: “[SHOCKING] Miley Cyrus Found Dead in Her Los Angeles Home! Country singer Miley Cyrus found overdosed this afternoon in her Los Angeles home.” The report notes that the link provided is “fake.”
After clicking on the post, Facebook users were directed to a page that resembled Facebook and were then asked to share the page, circulating fraudulent surveys that help scammers make money.
Fans did not panic until three days passed and the starlet still refrained from any new posts on Twitter or Instagram. Hollywood Life dramatized the event saying, “Miley hasn’t posted anything on Instagram since July 18—and now fans fear the worst.”
Her fans took to Twitter writing posts, such as “You better not be dead Miley :(” and “My brother just came into my room and said Miley cyrus was dead,and I cried immediately! Who knew apparently I’d be real emosh if she died!”
After Cyrus’ spokesperson was reached, it was revealed that Cyrus found the hysterics entertaining. In fact, a source told Hollywood Life that “She is aware of the death hoax and thought it was actually pretty funny. By not responding, she thinks it is that much more of a joke because people are continuing to believe it. She has mentioned to friends that this is her Paul[McCartney] is dead Beatles moment.”
The twerking queen is “alive and well,” according to another Hollywood Life report. It is likely that Cyrus is simply in preparation for her “Bangerz” tour, which will begin on Aug. 1. She will be attending the VMAs on Aug. 24 after being nominated for both Best Video and Best Direction for her hit song, “Wrecking Ball.” Cyrus still has not updated her social media sites since July 18, and she has yet to directly address the rumor.
