American-born singer Tina Turner also known as ‘Queen of Rock ‘n’ Roll, death” was trending on social media in January 2023.
Tina Turner was the victim of a hoax which left the public believing she had passed away – but she is alive and well.
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Why is ‘Tina Turner dead’ trending?
A YouTube account with the handle Celebrity Biographies, posted a video with the caption: “8 minutes ago! Music Queen Tina Turner dies at the age of 83. The pain is too great.”
This sparked an outpour of emotional tributes before people realised it was a scam.
It turned out the YouTube account had posted other content claiming celebrities were dead to garner views and likes on their page.
Whoopi Goldberg, Kate Winslet and Will Smith are just a few of the other A-listers targeted by the hoax.
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When did ‘Tina Turner dead’ start trending?
News of her “death” went viral on Sunday, January 22, 2023, after the YouTube video mentioned above was published.
There was also a Facebook page called R.I.P Tina Turner, which stated: “At about 11.am ET on Sunday (January 22 , 2023,), our beloved singer Tina Turner passed away.
“Tina Turner was born on November 26, 1939 in Nutbush. She will be missed but not forgotten.
“Please show your sympathy and condolences by commenting on and liking this page.”
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On Monday, January 23, Tina Turner’s representatives officially confirmed that the singer was in fact alive.
They posted: “She is alive and well, stop believing what you see on the Internet.”
What have Tina Turner’s fans said?
Fans were quick to send their love and respects to the iconic singer and defend her when they realised it was a hoax.
Some of the tributes included: “Rest in peace we have lost a great icon to music.”
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