“Stephen Merchant dead 2024” : ‘The Office (UK)’ creator killed by internet death hoax

Stephen Merchant is the latest celeb to fall victim to a death hoax

News of comedian Stephen Merchant’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, the creator of The Office (UK) is alive and well.

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

Stephen Merchant death hoax spreads on Facebook

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

At about 11 a.m. ET on Friday (December 20, 2024), our beloved comedian Stephen Merchant passed away. Stephen Merchant was born on November 24, 1974 in Bristol. 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 50-year-old comedian, actor, author and director 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 English network, indicating that it was a fake report, as the death of a comedian of Stephen Merchant's stature would be major news across networks.

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

Stephen Merchant Death Hoax Dismissed Since Comedian Is ‘Alive And Well’

On Saturday (December 21) the comedian's reps officially confirmed that Stephen Merchant 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 comedian. Others say this shows his extreme popularity across the globe.

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