Actor, 95, Rejects Claims of Cancer and Hospitalization
William Shatner has publicly refuted a wave of online rumors suggesting he is suffering from brain cancer and has been hospitalized. The veteran actor, who recently marked his 95th birthday, took to social media platforms like X and Instagram to dismiss the "horrible fake news stories" circulating about his health. Shatner explicitly stated he is "perfectly fine" and "fit as a fiddle," asserting that the rumors are "greatly exaggerated."
The reports, which appeared on various social media sites and were amplified by some news outlets, claimed Shatner was battling Stage IV brain cancer or had been rushed to the hospital due to a blood sugar issue. He attributed the proliferation of these stories to the use of "AI" and false reporting. Shatner noted that he had reported a specific Facebook page generating these stories, but indicated the platform had not yet removed it.
Read More: Chris Hughes' businesses face money problems after reality TV fame
Past Hoaxes and the "Demise" Trope
This is not the first time Shatner has found himself having to dispel rumors about his well-being. He previously addressed similar false reports of hospitalization in September, which he dismissed with a meme stating, "Rumors of my demise have been greatly exaggerated!" The actor also alluded to earlier death hoaxes from when he was still involved with the Nickelodeon series The Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, highlighting a recurring theme of fabricated demise narratives.
Shatner's recent statements come after a period where he has reflected on other aspects of his life and career. He has spoken about his experience with space travel, describing it as a source of profound grief, and has discussed his views on retirement and his enduring connection to "Star Trek." Despite the ongoing barrage of misinformation, the actor appears resolute in confronting what he calls "fake news stories."
Read More: Scotland NHS data hard to compare with England due to different rules
