Usher Dead Hoax, Fans React
Rap singer Usher has become the latest victim of a prank as "news" of his death spread across the Internet Tuesday.
The 33-year-old was reportedly killed in a car accident on April 10, 2010, according to Global Associated News - the same source that reported the fake "deaths" of Reba McIntyre and Jon Bon Jovi in the past.
Usher was killed "instantly" according to the report, which also indicated that "alcohol and drugs do not appear to have been a factor in this accident."
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While not a real news source, Global Associated News (GAN) is a site that allows users to select a celebrity and create fake "news" about them. Celebrities are able to remove their name from the site's list, but reportedly none ever have.
"Believe it or not, we have never received a celebrity name removal request," explains instructions written on the website. "If you are a celebrity or the business manager for a celebrity and wish to have a name blocked from working on the site, please follow the instructions below."
Usher is in fact alive, and reassured fans that he is well on Twitter Tuesday.
"I must've died and went to heaven…" wrote the singer. "Alive and cold kickin' a--!"
He attached a photo of himself shirtless, adding, "Livin' Legend!"
Ahead of the revelation that Usher's death was a hoax, Twitter users were in a frenzy over the "loss" of the "My Way" singer.
"Usher better not be dead…" posted Malcolm.
Emily wrote, "If Usher is really dead I am going to cry."
"If Usher is dead imma [sic] be done too," wrote Eddie.
Many users revealed doubts about the death reports, sic as Simba: "If Usher was dead, it would be on CNN… which it's not!"
"Stop it, you idiots," wrote Zach. "Usher is not dead. The fact that you're so quick to believe this stuff makes me hurt as a journalist."
