Kaylah Walton
Fans were met with a surge of emotions this week as two distinct celebrity stories converged online. The iconic funk musician Sly Stone passed away at the age of 82, while persistent rumors regarding Sylvester Stallone’s supposed death resurfaced, leading to a wave of confusion across social media platforms.
Sly Stone, the leader of Sly and the Family Stone, officially passed on June 9 after enduring a battle with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
His family confirmed his passing, marking the conclusion of an era for a musician who transformed the landscape of funk, soul, and rock during the late 1960s and 1970s. Conversely, the reports of Stallone’s death were simply another instance of a long-standing online myth.
Understanding the confusion
Reputable news sources, including The New York Times and the Washington Post, affirmed the death of Sly Stone. One report described the poignant moment when his wife, daughters, and a close friend were by his side as he succumbed to complications from COPD.
The article acknowledged Stone’s groundbreaking contributions: promoting racially and gender-inclusive music, producing beloved tracks like “Everyday People” and “Family Affair,” and inspiring numerous artists who followed him. His passing was met with heartfelt tributes from the music community, reflecting on his influential legacy.
On the other hand, the rumors surrounding Stallone were nothing but an internet myth. Reports stemmed from old hoaxes that resurface from time to time. Since 2016, social media users have circulated false claims about his death, misinterpreting old memes or posts as legitimate obituaries.
Despite these rumors being repeatedly disproved, fans still expressed their sympathies, oblivious to the fact that it was yet another recycled story.
An emotional journey for followers
For fans of funk and classic rock, the loss of Sly Stone was a deeply poignant moment prompting reflection. Articles celebrated him as a “groundbreaking artist,” recognizing his vibrant musical style and contributions to soul, psychedelic rock, and funk for several generations.
His band was acclaimed for dismantling racial and gender barriers in music, influencing creatives from Prince to Parliament-Funkadelic. A feature in The New York Times remembered him as “a musical innovator,” who was always ahead of his time, even as he faced struggles with addiction and solitude in the 1970s.
In contrast, the unfounded rumors about Stallone’s death initially caused confusion and were later met with relief. A barrage of “RIP” posts circulated before being disproven by clear signs of his recent activity on platforms like Instagram. This situation highlights how social media can amplify misinformation, reliving past rumors and catching fans off guard.
A closer look reveals why these two narratives intersected in the digital arena. The rapid-fire nature of social media, combined with general uncertainties regarding celebrity health, led many users to see headlines pertaining to two “Sylvesters” and fear for the worst. Ultimately, this resulted in a potent mixture of real loss and digital misinformation.
