News / National
'R.I.P. Robert Mugabe', Facebook page attracted millions of likes
15 Jan 2016 at 09:16hrs | Views
News of President Robert Mugabe's death spread quickly earlier this week causing concern among fans across the world. However the January 2016 report has now been confirmed as a complete hoax and just the latest in a string of fake celebrity death reports, Mediamass reported.
Thankfully, the Zimbabwean president is alive and well.
According to Mediamass, rumors of Mugabe's alleged demise gained traction on Wednesday after a 'R.I.P. Robert Mugabe' Facebook page attracted nearly one million of 'likes'. Those who read the 'About' page were given a believable account of Mugabe's passing:
"At about 11 a.m. ET on Wednesday (January 13, 2016), our beloved political figure Robert Mugabe passed away. Robert Mugabe was born on February 21, 1924 in Kutama. He will be missed but not forgotten. Please show your sympathy and condolences by commenting on and liking this page."
Hundreds of fans immediately started writing their messages of condolence on the Facebook page, expressing their sadness that the talented 91-year-old political figure was dead. And as usual, Twittersphere was frenzied over the death hoax.
Where as some trusting fans believed the post, others were immediately skeptical of the report, perhaps learning their lesson from the huge amount of fake death reports emerging about celebrities over recent months. Some pointed out that the news had not been carried on any major Zimbabwean network, indicating that it was a fake report, as the death of a political figure of Robert Mugabe's stature would be major news across networks.
Thankfully, the Zimbabwean president is alive and well.
According to Mediamass, rumors of Mugabe's alleged demise gained traction on Wednesday after a 'R.I.P. Robert Mugabe' Facebook page attracted nearly one million of 'likes'. Those who read the 'About' page were given a believable account of Mugabe's passing:
Hundreds of fans immediately started writing their messages of condolence on the Facebook page, expressing their sadness that the talented 91-year-old political figure was dead. And as usual, Twittersphere was frenzied over the death hoax.
Where as some trusting fans believed the post, others were immediately skeptical of the report, perhaps learning their lesson from the huge amount of fake death reports emerging about celebrities over recent months. Some pointed out that the news had not been carried on any major Zimbabwean network, indicating that it was a fake report, as the death of a political figure of Robert Mugabe's stature would be major news across networks.
Source - Mediamass
