Rowan Atkinson is dead this week, if you believe false rumors and news bits circulated across the Internet, saying the “Mr. Bean” star committed suicide. The hoax rumors have also spread malware via Facebook.
Security webiste Online Threats Alert says that there have been fake news videos circulated about the hoax on Facebook and other social media sites.
“There is no video and Mr. Bean (Rowan Atkinson) did not commit suicide. If you install the so-called “Facebook Media Plug-in” by clicking on the link, you will install a malicious computer program that will infect your computer with a virus or Trojan horse,” reads a statement from Online Threats Alert.
The poorly worded hoax claims that “English Actor Comedian Mr. Bean (Rowan Atkinson) died at 58 after committing suicide” because “the producer remove (sic) him on Johnny English 3. Rowan Atkinson (Mr Bean) recorded a suicide video with a message to his producer and fans around the world. (watch more).”
If one downloads an application offered in the post, it can install malware.
Atkinson has been the subject of death hoaxes in the past. In 2012, an user on Wikipedia edited his page and said he died on Feb. 26, 2012.
India Today reported this week that representatives have confirmed that Atkinson is still alive.
There is also no indication of a “Johnny English 3” in the works.
Celine Dion, Jackie Chan, Justin Bieber, Eddie Murphy, and numerous other celebrities have been the victim of death hoaxes.
“Do not use Facebook as your legitimate news source. If something is posted on Facebook, please verify it by visiting one of the reputable news websites. And, if you asked to install an application to view a video or any form of information, please do not,” concludes Online Threat Alerts.
