The controversy that lies behind the famous deaths of celebrities.
When a celebrity passes away, the press immediately calls to action. As rumors spread, so does the controversy around the situation. Theories form, and questions are left unanswered.
When Michael Jackson died in 2009, mass controversy spread. Jackson’s death was ruled a homicide after overdosing on propofol that his personal physician, Dr. Conrad Murray, prescribed. Jackson used the prescription to help him sleep after suffering from countless nights of insomnia.
When the death occurred, Murray claimed he was only away from Jackson for no more than a few minutes; however, phone records show he was on the phone for more time than he described. Murray was convicted of involuntary manslaughter due to negligence towards Jackson.
After Jackson’s death, fans struggled to accept the reality of it. New conspiracy theories flourished throughout the media. Before the incident, it was reported that Jackson was millions of dollars in debt. Due to the suspiciousness of the death, fans speculated that Jackson potentially faked his death. Theorists believed that because of the closed casket at his memorial, there might not have been a body inside.
Another theory was that Jackson pretended to be someone else named Dave Dave, a burn victim that Jackson had befriended. Due to Dave’s high-pitched voice and distorted look, it was rumored to be a possible explanation. Some even said both people shared similar manners and characteristics when Dave Dave appeared on Larry King Live. While none of these theories has been proven, they are still being speculated about on the internet.
Diana, Princess of Wales, died in 1997 due to a car crash. The Princess was in a Mercedes car with her close friend, Dodi Fayed, in Paris, France. The car crashed into a tunnel on Pont de l’Alma bridge along the Seine River, less than half a mile away from the Eiffel Tower. While the world was mourning, some found the crash suspicious. Paris is one of the most heavily secured areas; however, there were no security cameras to capture the accident. Witnesses reported a bright flash before the accident, possibly claiming the driver was blinded.
In 2003, the princess’s personal butler revealed a letter that was allegedly written by the princess. The letter was rumored to discuss a staged break failure crash that Charles, the Prince of Wales, was planning himself. This letter was believed to be proof that the crash was, in fact, planned. The Royal family received major backlash from the events. More than 90% of the British population believed the death was not an accident. Just like Jackson’s case, there are many theories, some with evidence, some without, about the Princess’s death.
Decades later, these theories stay relevant in the media. While the official legal cases are closed, the conspiracies have left a permanent mark on society. It serves as a constant reminder of the tragedies.
