Once again the internet abounds with reports of Fidel Castro’s death. This has happened before and been proven wrong, but it is known that his health has been failing. His death would not have a significant impact on the country since power was transferred to his brother Raul a while ago.
This is not the only case where a celebrity, more usually in the entertainment world, has been mistakenly reported as dead. Recent examples have included Lil Wayne, Miley Cyrus and Lady Gaga. Despite the lack of evidence from proper news channels, a lot of these internet reports seem to gain a lot of credence for no good reason.
Due to his failing health, Fidel Castro has been reported as “on his deathbed” for some time now. In July 2006 he had emergency intestinal surgery to stem bleeding from diverticulitis, and since then he has been under constant medical supervision. He has constructed a state-of-the-art hospital suite in his principal residence where he is surrounded by his well meaning family and a host of Cuba’s finest doctors. His failing health made him give up power some years ago and hand over the reigns to his brother Raul. Since then he has only been seen in public once or twice.
The state of health of “El Presidente” has been the subject of speculation for some time, but little or no information is given out by the Cuban authorities. Apparently Perez Hilton tried to report that Castro was dead in 2007, but that story turned out to be false.
There has been much speculation on the health of the 82-year-old, who had not written a column for five weeks.Castro – who was replaced by his younger brother Raul as Cuban leader – is now reported to be alive and well
In January 2009 Castro asked Cubans not to worry about his failing heath or lack of recent appearances, nor to be disturbed by his future death. Inevitably the rumours are likely to linger on for a while yet.
Author: Jack Smith is an experienced sociologist. As part of a national survey he wants to find out whether people believe tabloids or not. Please give him your opinion. Do you believe in tabloids? yes or no? In return you can win a $500 Visa gift card.
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