Third, they share it with friends.
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Fourth, their friends see the claim from several different accounts.
Finally, people begin thinking:
“I have seen this everywhere, so it must be true.”
But all those posts may originate from the same false claim.
Simon Cowell Has Been the Subject of Death Rumors Before
This is not the first time Simon Cowell has been the subject of a death rumor.
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Fact-checking coverage has previously documented false claims about Cowell’s death. One such wave of rumors circulated in 2024, causing concern among fans before the claims were identified as false.
This history is important because it demonstrates a pattern.
When a celebrity is extremely recognizable, their name becomes valuable to people who want attention online. A headline containing a famous name can attract clicks, comments, reactions, and shares.
The more recognizable the person, the more powerful the headline can become.
