Kyle Massey, a 21 year old former Disney star, shot down rumors which claimed that he had been diagnosed with cancer. He said today that the rumors were 'classless' and 'insensitive'.
The gossip spread on Saturday evening, following news reports on the death and alleged drug overdose of another television star Cory Monteith, leading star of Fox's hit comedy show Glee.
"Overnight it was trending on Twitter that I am dying of cancer. I want to say first, 'I do not have cancer' and I don't know where this inconsiderate and insensitive rumor originated from," said Massey.
"Cancer is a disease that is very personal to me and my family," continued the "That's So Raven" actor. He explained having two uncles who died from the disease.
Social media, especially Twitter, has been known to 'kill' several other personalities. Previously, Justin Beiber, Britney Spears, John Jonas and many others were tweeted as dead by netizens despite lack of sources.
Twitter's retweeting feature makes gossip spread quickly. The global network of Twitter drives the company's profit. Early reports estimated that Twitter was worth US$9 billion. It is the fastest growing internet company in the world.
Join the Conversation