Rumours started making rounds early on Saturday that Playboy founder Hugh Hefner had passed away. It forced the 90-year-old to clarify on Twitter that there is no truth in the rumours.
Hefner retweeted a tweet which reads that he is not dead. "Hugh Hefner is trending. He's not dead. He isn't chosen to be part of Trump's Cabinet. So either a Russian spy or Disney's doing his movie," the retweeted post read.
The rumours claiming that Hefner died started doing the round after his name became a trending topic on Twitter. Several users assumed that the Playboy founder passed away and posted RIP messages, which resulted in the death hoax going viral. However, he is alive and doing fine.
Hefner's former girlfriend Kendra Wilkinson also clarified saying that he is alive. After his name started trending, she immediately took to Twitter to tell fans, "He's not dead. You guys scared me."
Here is what social media users tweeted:
@Kristinleeking: I don't know why #hughhefner is trending but I saw it & thought he was dead, like everyone else apparently did too
@kaungko: @JayTThomas17 @hughhefner Twitter's something! I sent prayers and good thoughts after reading initial tweets.. and now, phew!
@DamonDice8: And thank you @hughhefner for confirming yourself that you are still alive and kickin!!! Hallelujah!!! When's your next party?!!
@ESTHERHaldane: Saw #HughHefner trending, also thought he died.
@SethGoodtime: I saw Hugh Hefner trending, and because it's 2016, I assumed he died or was just appointed Director of Homeland Security by Trump.
Earlier this year, there were reports that Hefner was at death's doorstep and has lost 90 pounds. "He looks like he is down to around 90 pounds and super sick," a source told Page Six. "His people are really trying to keep this under wraps. You even have to sign a confidentiality agreement to go up to see him," the insider added.
However, the Playboy founder dismissed that reports on Twitter and slammed the tabloid for the article. "I wish the tabloids had informed me a little earlier in the week that I'm sick. I might have cancelled my weekend plans," the 90-year-old tweeted.
