Claim: Filipino actor and singer Billy Crawford has died.
Rating: FALSE
Why we fact-checked this: The claim was made in a Facebook video uploaded on October 31 with the text, “Rest in peace Billy Crawford.” As of writing, the post has over 1.2 million views, 15,000 reactions, and 1,100 comments.
The Facebook page that uploaded the video also uploaded two more videos about Crawford’s alleged death. Some of these videos linked the singer’s weight loss to his supposed illnesses.
The facts: Crawford is alive. No reports from news outlets and credible sources support the claim. In an Instagram post he uploaded on November 2, Crawford showed behind-the-scenes footage of the I Gotta Feeling – La Tournée concert in France where he performed last month.
“It was an unbelievable experience to get to be on stage once again. To the whole of France, thanks so much for tracking with me! I’ll see you all soon for the second tour and new singles,” Crawford said in the post.
Crawford and his wife, actress Coleen Garcia, also uploaded an Instagram video on November 1, showing their family’s Halloween theme inspired by the Disney film Inside Out.
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Fake ad victim: Aside from death hoaxes, Crawford is also a victim of a fake ad that used his identity without his consent.
Rappler debunked a false claim on March 26, 2024, that Crawford supposedly vouched for a weight loss supplement ad. The misleading ad manipulated a clip from the singer’s interview on the talk show Tonight with Boy Abunda, where he discussed his weight loss journey.
Death hoaxes: Rappler has also debunked several death hoaxes about politicians and celebrities in the past:
- FACT CHECK: Justin Bieber is alive
- FACT CHECK: Ted Failon is alive
- FACT CHECK: Ex-president Duterte is alive
- FACT CHECK: Kuya Kim is still alive
– Lorenz Pasion/Rappler.com
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