Twitter users across the globe were abuzz over rumors that Hong Kong-based action star Jackie Chan recently died of a heart attack.
"RIP Jackie Chan" made it to Twitter's top trending topics worldwide, placing fifth at 11:25 a.m. on Wednesday.
The official social networking accounts of the Hong Kong-based action superstar, however, quickly denied this, saying that Chan is "alive and well."
"Jackie is alive and well. He did not suffer a heart attack and die, as was reported on many social networking sites and in online news reports," his verified
Facebook and
Twitter accounts read.
"Jackie is fine and is busy preparing for the filming of his next movie."
Fans and supporters of the Asian superstar expressed happiness and relief that Chan's death rumor is a hoax.
"RIP Jackie Chan is not true! Jackie Chan is still alive and he will make a new movie yoyoyo!," one of them said.
Another said, "Oh, thank God. We don't need more dead Asians."
"Jackie Chan did not die. RIP means: Really Inspiring #Person," one Twitter user said.
Others, meanwhile, slammed others for spreading the false information.
"Whoever said 'RIP Jackie Chan' needs to get a life. It's not cool or funny to say people are dead," one said.
This Twitter user quipped, "Whoever started the RIP Jackie Chan needs to get slapped!"
Chan is among the many celebrities who have been victims of online death hoaxes, the latest being American actor Charlie Sheen of Two and a Half Men.
The Asian superstar earlier drew flak from some of his compatriots over his initial tweets about the August 23 hostage drama at the Quirino Grandstand in the Philippines on August 2010, which involved tourists from Hong Kong.
In the said tweets, Chan asked the people of Hong Kong not to direct their anger at the Philippine government or to Filipinos who live in their country.
Several days later, he apologized for "causing misunderstanding or discontent," saying that he is not in the position to say who should be held liable for the tragedy.
