According to a Facebook post spreading like wildfire, Home Alone and Richie Rich star Macaulay Culkin has died.
However, Culkin, 33, is just another victim of a celebrity death hoax. Other stars who have also been victims of a similar hoax include Eminem, Jon Heder, Britney Spears, and Kanye West, among others.
The news of the actor’s “death” was posted on a Facebook page that said Culkin passed away at 11 a.m. ET on Sunday. The post also asked for sympathy and condolences through likes and comments. The post garnered over a million likes.
Due to the attention the post acquired, Culkin’s representative cleared the issue and released a statement saying that Culkin is very much alive. The source of the fake news is still unknown.
News about the actor’s death may have been ignited when Culkin’s health was made public. Several sources said that the actor’s health is declining due to the abuse of various substances. Some sources have even said that Culkin spends about $6,000 monthly on painkillers. His reps, however, denied the allegations.
Culkin has also been rumored to be addicted to Vicodin, Percocet, oxycodone, and heroin. A source claims to have witnessed Culkin taking drugs and said that “he needs serious help.”
Reports indicate that Culkin has since recovered from his drug problems and has turned to music by forming a pizza-themed Velvet Underground tribute band called “Pizza Underground.” Culkin is the vocalist of the band, and he also plays the kazoo and percussion.
Macaulay Culkin and The Pizza Underground
The band released a demo tape on December 2013 containing tracks such as “All the Pizza Parties,” and “I’m Waiting for the Delivery Man” – a play on Velvet Underground’s famous songs. The band has played gigs for a Lou Reed tribute show and at the Comic Arts Brooklyn as well. News of an album release have not yet been confirmed.
Image via Wikimedia Commons