Here’s A Full Breakdown Of The Conspiracy Theory That Avril Lavigne Secretly Died In 2003 And Was Replaced With A Lookalike Called Melissa
In a new interview, Avril totally brushed off the absolutely wild conspiracy theory, and insisted that it “could be worse.”
Jeff Kravitz / FilmMagic
If you’re confused, then don’t worry; here’s a full breakdown:
Avril was just 17 years old when she shot to fame in 2002 with chart-topping songs like “Complicated” and “Sk8er Boi.”
However, the theory argues that shortly after the release of her debut album, Let Go, Avril took her own life as she struggled to cope with her rising star profile as well as the death of her grandfather.
According to the conspiracists, an Avril lookalike called Melissa Vandella was initially hired to distract the paparazzi and protect Avril as she became more reclusive — and prior to Avril’s apparent death, “Melissa” was taught how to sing and perform like the star.
Jim Spellman / WireImage
Avril’s record label apparently then covered up her death and completely replaced her with Melissa so that they could continue profiting from Avril’s growing celebrity.
This theory dates back to 2005, but it first gained traction in 2011 thanks to a Brazilian blog called Avril Está Morta, which literally translates to “Avril Is Dead.”
Interestingly, the opening line of the first blog post admits that the whole thing is a hoax, translating to: “This blog was created to show how conspiracy theories can look true,” but readers still fell for the subsequent breakdown of apparent evidence that supports the idea that Avril had died several years earlier.
The evidence in question highlights subtle changes to Avril’s appearance after 2003, and also draws attention to a photoshoot where Avril had the name “Melissa” written on her hand.
Jim Spellman / WireImage
In addition, it has been claimed that the singer’s 2004 album Under My Skin contains subliminal messaging, where “Melissa” confesses that she isn’t the real Avril.
Since 2011, the conspiracy has regularly resurfaced across social media, with viral threads fueling the speculation — despite Avril repeatedly shutting it down.
During a Facebook livestream in 2017, Avril responded to a fan who asked if she was dead by saying: “No, I’m not dead; I’m here. People are just bored and need something to talk about.”
The following year, Avril explained the theory in an interview on Australian radio show Kyle and Jackie O, where she said: “Some people think that I’m not the real me, which is so weird! Like, why would they even think that?”
And in 2019, the star told Entertainment Weekly that she was “flabbergasted” some people had bought the “dumb internet rumor.”
Call Her Daddy / Via youtube.com
In the interview, host Alexandra Cooper began: “There’s a crazy rumor out there about you that I obviously have to ask about.”
“Oh, yeah, that one, I know what you’re talking about,” Avril immediately replied. “There’s a conspiracy theory that I’m not me.”
At this point, Avril gave a defiant thumbs-up to the camera as she struggled to hold back her laughter, saying: “Honestly, it’s not that bad. It could be worse, right? I feel like I got a good one. I don’t think it’s negative or anything creepy, so it’s like, we’re good.”
“Avril, this conspiracy theory about you is a little creepy, come on!” Alexandra retorted, to which Avril nonchalantly replied: “Yeah, I don’t know, it could be worse.”
“There are conspiracy theories that run so fucking deep, does it annoy you that there will be people that comment on this episode being like: ‘That’s Melissa, that’s not Avril!?’” Alexandra then asked.
TikTok @callherdaddy / Via tiktok.com
“When did it start, my second album?” Avril asked in response. “Like, I don’t know, I mean, obviously I am me. It’s so dumb.”
“I think they’ve done that with other artists,” she insisted. “I’m not the only one; I think other people have that.”
“I feel like yours is really prominent,” Alexandra countered, prompting Avril to joke: “Oh, I mean, I feel like you might believe it!”
“It’s so fucking crazy and I just have empathy for you, but it’s good to know you don’t give a fuck,” Alexandra went on. “I remember being like: ‘What are people talking about?’ and then I went and started looking and, like, oh, people are fucking insane. So, you don’t care?”
“No,” Avril confirmed, and when Alexandra asked: “Your name is Avril Lavigne?” she once again joked: “Yeah! I knew you half-believed it!”
And the star has been praised for taking the relentless speculation in stride, with one person commenting on a Reddit forum about Avril’s new quotes: “I’m glad she finds in funny, because it truly is the most ridiculous theory ever, yet it’s endured for like over a decade.”
Jeff Kravitz / FilmMagic
“One thing about her is that she seems so chill and kickass,” somebody else agreed. “Like someone you’d have a drink and laugh with. She seems great thru all the years of fame.”
“At this point Melissa has been Avril for longer than Avril was Avril so I feel like we need to just accept Melissa for who she is: Avril,” one more wrote.
While another user teased: “Sounds like something Melissa would say 👀”
News
Princess Lilibet Looks Like The Mirror Image Of Her Cousin Princess Charlotte In Adorable Floral Dress
Princess Lilibet Looks Like The Mirror Image Of Her Cousin Princess Charlotte In Adorable Floral Dress The Duke and Duchess of Sussex sent out their 2024 holiday card in late December 2024, and it’s been melting hearts ever since. The holiday card showcased six images that…
Meghan Markle Mourns Death of Rescue Beagle Guy: ‘I Have Cried Too Many Tears to Count’
Meghan Markle Mourns Death of Rescue Beagle Guy: ‘I Have Cried Too Many Tears to Count’ Guy, a rescue from a Kentucky kill shelter, has held a special place in the Duchess of Sussex’s heart since 2015 Meghan Markle; Meghan…
William and Kate Middleton “not as perfect as it seems”: Inside their rocky relationship
William and Kate Middleton “not as perfect as it seems”: Inside their rocky relationship Prince William and Kate Middleton have their ups and downs like any other relationship. It began in 2007 when the couple reportedly split up for various…
Bruce Springsteen, 74, gives alarming health update after postponing tour – and it confirms what we feared
Bruce Springsteen, 74, gives alarming health update after postponing tour – and it confirms what we feared Bruce Springsteen has had a rough time of it over the past few months, with his health issues forcing him to postpone all remaining…
Jon Bon Jovi and Dorothea Hurley: Rocking Compassion by Feeding the Homeless
Jon Bon Jovi and Dorothea Hurley: Rocking Compassion by Feeding the Homeless Jon Bon Jovi, a rock icon known for his powerful ballads and sold-out arenas, has proven time and time again that his heart is as big as his…
Uncommon images of Princess Diana, one of the most photographed people on Earth
Uncommon images of Princess Diana, one of the most photographed people on Earth Known as the People’s Princess because of her nurturing and compassionate nature, as well as love for the ordinary citizens, Lady Di will forever be remembered as…
End of content
No more pages to load