“Julian Assange dead 2024” : WikiLeaks founder killed by internet death hoax

  • By Jessica Simpson
  • Canberra
  • Last updated on

Julian Assange is the latest celeb to fall victim to a death hoax

News of journalist Julian Assange’s death spread quickly earlier this week causing concern among fans across the world. However the December 2024 report has now been confirmed as a complete hoax and just the latest in a string of fake celebrity death reports. Thankfully, WikiLeaks' founder is alive and well.

UPDATE 22/12/2024 : This story seems to be false. (read more)

Julian Assange death hoax spreads on Facebook

Rumors of the journalist’s alleged demise gained traction on Friday after a ‘R.I.P. Julian Assange’ Facebook page attracted nearly one million of ‘likes’. Those who read the ‘About’ page were given a believable account of the Australian journalist’s passing:

“At about 11 a.m. ET on Friday (December 20, 2024), our beloved journalist Julian Assange passed away. Julian Assange was born on July 3, 1971 in Townsville. 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 53-year-old journalist 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 Australian network, indicating that it was a fake report, as the death of a journalist of Julian Assange's stature would be major news across networks.

A recent poll conducted for the Celebrity Post shows that 55% still think false Julian Assange death rumors are funny.

Julian Assange Death Hoax Dismissed Since Journalist Is ‘Alive And Well’

On Saturday (December 21) the journalist's reps officially confirmed that Julian Assange is not dead. “He joins the long list of celebrities who have been victimized by this hoax. He's still alive and well, stop believing what you see on the Internet,” they said.

Some fans have expressed anger at the fake report saying it was reckless, distressing and hurtful to fans of the much loved journalist. Others say this shows his extreme popularity across the globe.

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