Canadian singer Avril Lavigne is alive and well, despite a Brazilian conspiracy theory website’s claims that the 31-year-old passed away over a decade ago, and was replaced with a look-alike actress.
New York Daily News reports that the website “ Avril is Dead, ” continues to offer photo comparisons of the singer and actress Melissa Vandella, in an attempt to prove that Lavigne passed away in 2002, and Vandella, who looks like Lavigne, is now posing as her. The website also lists 12 differences between Lavigne and Vandella, ranging from different birthmarks to facial blemishes, and more.
When questioned about the website, the creator and owner suggested that the site was merely “a way of showing how conspiracy theories may seem true.” Regardless, it resulted in a plethora of fans believing that the “Sk8er Boi” singer had actually died.
The theory began when Lavigne allegedly grew tired of fame after her platinum 2002 album, Let Go . Reportedly, it was Lavigne herself who hired Vandella to pose as her look-alike in an attempt to deceive the paparazzi, and the pair became close friends. Yet, the site claims that getting a doppelganger wasn’t enough for Lavigne. The pressure of being an international superstar, coupled with the loss of her grandfather made the singer hang herself, according to the site.
The information, however, is false. Lavigne sat down to talk to Brazilian talk show hosts last year, in an attempt to squash the rumors.
“Well, I’m here. I’m in Brazil.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?t=76&v=3mtXADHbEZg
Meanwhile, E Online reports that Lavigne recently returned to the studio to record more music, only a month after she announced her separation from Nickelback’s lead singer, Chad Kroeger. Apparently, the separation was amicable. Lavigne took to Instagram to post a picture of Kroeger, stating that she’s with him in the studio, making new music.
The recently-divorced Lavigne made it clear that she plans to remain friends with Kroeger, whom she married in 2013, surrounded by her close friends and family. The couple said “I do” while inside a 14th century castle in France.
“Through not only the marriage, but the music as well, we’ve created many unforgettable moments. We are still and forever will be, the best of friends, and will always care deeply for each other.”
Yet, some people still can’t let go of the conspiracy theory that Vandella replaced Lavigne. One fan commented that the “real Lavigne” would have never married Kroeger. Others can’t let go of the hoax because of Lavigne’s stark change in music and style when she released her 2013 single, “Hello Kitty.” The once pop/punk rock image was replaced with a Japanese-themed pop singer, who a number of shocked viewers referred to as a “Gwen Stefani wannabe.”
Lavigne joins a long list of celebrities who’ve been on the conspiracy theory lists for years, including Tupac Shakur, who allegedly faked his death and now lives on an unknown island, Michael Jackson, who allegedly faked his own death as well, but appears dressed incognito at important functions. Arnold Schwarzenegger recently joined the list as the target of a death hoax that quickly went viral.
Avril Lavigne hasn’t commented yet on the most recent death allegations, but fans and supporters can rest assured that the Canadian rocker is not only alive and well, but she’s continuing on with her music career after a much-anticipated wait.
[Photo by Isaac Brekken/Getty Images]
