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CNN Apologizes for Erroneous Michael J. Fox Tribute

The blunder spotlights the risk of prewritten obituaries accidentally going live.

Overview

  • CNN posted an obituary‑style package titled “Remembering the life of actor Michael J. Fox” on Wednesday, then removed it and issued an apology.
  • Michael J. Fox reassured fans on Threads that he was fine, using humor to address seeing his own death reported.
  • His representatives told TMZ he had appeared at PaleyFest in Los Angeles the day before, taking the stage and giving interviews.
  • CNN said the item was published by mistake, and reports note it is unclear if it was a mistitled piece or a prepared obituary released in error.
  • Newsrooms often draft advance obituaries for notable figures, a practice that has led to past false notices for people including Ronald Reagan, Fidel Castro, Pope John Paul II, Queen Elizabeth II, and Pelé.