Naughties pop-punk star Avril Lavigne has a string of massive hits to her name. Most recently, though, the "Sk8er Boi" singer has been making headlines because of an internet conspiracy theory that she actually died and was replaced with a body double.
The theory has spanned decades and been talked about loads on social media, following the release of 'Who Replaced Avril Lavigne?' on BBC Sounds.
But what exactly is the conspiracy theory, where did it all start and why do stories like this go and make things so complicated?
Where did the Avril Lavigne conspiracy theory come from?
Conspiracy theories and fake news can now spread really quickly, thanks in part to social media, but the Avril theory is widely believed to have begun on a Brazilian Avril Lavigne fan-page called 'Avril Está Morta' ('Avril is Dead') in 2011, however, others have speculated that it's been around since 2005!
According to the theory, a lookalike named Melissa was hired by Avril at the height of her fame, as a way to distract photographers who'd often follow her. It then goes on to suggest that Melissa was brought in by Avril's record label to replace her following her untimely death. And thus, the conspiracy theory was born.
The original site did end up backtracking on the claim, saying they'd spread the theory as an example of how easily conspiracy theories could spread on the internet.
Avril isn't the only famous musician to fall foul to these sorts of theories. Beatles' member Paul McCartney has also faced speculation that he died and was replaced by a lookalike. Fans of nineties rapper Tupac also claim that he faked his own death in 1996. Tupacs appearance as a deepfake in a 2020 music video only added to the intrigue. Even pop megastar Taylor Swift has found it difficult to "shake off" a conspiracy theory involving The Superbowl and US President Joe Biden.
What is a conspiracy theory?
A conspiracy theory is the belief that an event or situation is the result of a secret plan, usually made by powerful people. Conspiracy theories aren’t necessarily true, with many lacking real evidence, but they can be influential.
So, what about naughties pop-punk star Avril Lavigne? Well, following the release of her 2002 debut album, 'Let Go', according to the conspiracy, the "real" Avril Lavigne passed away, and has since been replaced by a lookalike named Melissa.
Theorists online have based this belief on a number of factors, namely changes in Avril's appearance since 2003, changes to her style of handwriting and also a photoshoot featuring the 'Girlfriend' singer in which the word 'Melissa' was written on her hand.
Avril herself has responded to the theories, telling an Australian radio station that she thought rumours of her replacement were "weird".
Why do conspiracy theories like this spread?
Conspiracy theories are thought to be so attractive because they say things that people want to believe, even if they're not always based on the finest of logic.
Conspiracy theories give us a chance to feel like we're 'in-the-know' on something that other people won't know about. But whatever you see online, it's always important to think critically and check your sources. Don't believe everything you see, hear or read, and make sure to use reliable sources to help verify the things you've seen on the internet.
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