Tom Petty’s death: CBS News’ misfire becomes an online wildfire
The network reported that the singer had died right after suffering cardiac arrest, but the news wasn’t confirmed until hours later. The misstep prompted hasty retractions and criticism.
Early Monday afternoon, CBS News reported that musician Tom Petty had died soon after suffering cardiac arrest. However, Petty’s manager didn’t announce the 66-year-old entertainer’s death until nearly midnight.
The inaccurate report caused an outpouring of online tributes and additional news stories—which later were retracted.
Courtney Love, Talib Kweli, Kid Rock, Cyndi Lauper, Paul Stanley and Lin-Manuel Miranda were among scores of fans posting remembrances on Twitter, where Petty was the top worldwide trending topic Monday afternoon. A memorial was scheduled for his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
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