It’s no doubt been a very weird few hours for Michael J. Fox and his loved ones, after CNN – yes, the news outlet so many trust and rely on – posted an obituary-style article and video about the beloved actor. The only rather obvious problem (or perhaps blessing is the better word to use here!)? He’s not dead.
Nope. Michael J. Fox, Back to the Future legend, Parkinson’s survivor and the man who has dedicated his adult life to finding a cure for the disease, is thankfully, well and truly alive. According to his reps, he was at PaleyFest in Los Angeles just 24 hours earlier doing interviews and appearing on stage.
In fact, it wasn’t long after CNN posted their tribute, titled “Remembering the Life of Actor Michael J. Fox”, that Michael took to socials to share a cheeky response:
On Threads, Michael wrote:
“How do you react when you turn on the TV and CNN is reporting your death? Do you… A) switch to MNSBC, or whatever they are calling themselves these days. B) Pour scolding hot water on your lap, if it hurts, you’re fine. C) Call your wife, hopefully she’s concerned reassuring. D) Relax, they do this once every year. E) Ask yourself, wtf? I thought the world was ending, but apparently it’s just me and I’m ok. Love, Mike.”
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And yes, CNN has since apologised for the gaffe and removed the video and article which caused widespread panic online. In a statement to TMZ, they said, “the package was published in error. We have removed it from our platforms and send our apologies to Michael J. Fox and his family.”
The incident perhaps highlights the larger problem with digital media and the relentless pursuit of pumping out stories – believe it or not, there was a time when the 24-hour news cycle didn’t exist, and accuracy mattered more than being the first to get the story out. Times have clearly changed and with more and more newsrooms opting in to AI instead of real journalists? Michael J. Fox may not be the only celeb seeing his obituary while he’s still alive…
(Feature Image Credit: Featureflash Photo Agency/Shutterstock.com)
