Michael J. Fox has responded with humor after CNN accidentally published a pre-written memorial tribute to the actor, who is very much alive. The network swiftly removed the item and issued a public apology.
"The package was published in error; we have removed it from our platforms and send our apologies to Michael J. Fox and his family," CNN stated. On Threads, Fox joked about the incident, writing, "Ask yourself wtf? I thought the world was ending, but apparently it's just me and I'm ok. Love, Mike."
The erroneous article, titled "Remembering the life of actor Michael J. Fox," was captured in a screenshot by TMZ. Such advanced obituaries are commonly prepared by news organizations but are not meant for publication until the subject's actual passing.
This is not an isolated incident in media history. Notably, in 1998, the Associated Press accidentally published a partial obituary for the still-living comedian Bob Hope, leading to a false announcement on the House floor.