Twitter Baffled By 'Queen Elizabeth Is Dead' Report; Jason Lee Refuses To Retract Story

The rumors that Queen Elizabeth II has died have resurfaced after a shocking news report circulated online.

Hollywood Unlocked, a celebrity gossip site led by former reality TV star Jason Lee, posted "exclusive news" claiming that the Queen was already dead on Tuesday. It cited unnamed sources close to the royal family who allegedly confirmed the news.

Lee doubled down on the claim discussed by the report on Twitter. "We don’t post lies and I always stand by my sources. Waiting for an official statement from the palace," he wrote.

"Woke up to some fake account posting a retraction. We do not know that account and we have not retracted our story," he added in another tweet. "There has yet to be an official statement from the Palace. Staying tuned."

Lee's posts received several responses from the netizens. Many were not convinced of the claim, and some even slammed him for spreading false rumors.

"Jason, this is a terrible mistake and I have no idea what you think you’re doing. The Queen is not dead," Emma Kennedy commented.

"Not sure who this dude is but Jason Lee doesn't understand how the palace operates. They announced Prince Philip's death like 32 seconds after it happened. They announce births as soon as the head hits the air," another added.

"How the hell do you post something without an official source? Literally anyone with a basic knowledge of how journalism works would understand that. The state of journalism in 2022 is just sad," a different user wrote.

"I'm baffled as to how he thought this could possibly be true. The protocol for how her death will be handled is so precise and controlled to the smallest detail! A great video that goes into some detail of how it will be announced!" another commented.

"When it comes to the royal family genius and I use the term genius lightly yes there is a protocol so let me help you out here at the BBC hasn’t reported it, the Queen’s not dead," a fifth netizen opined.

However, some netizens believed that Lee's claim could be true. Others considered Lee a credible source.

"I think it’s true, but they trying to keep it quiet for now. But it’s going to be announced @ a later time. So that way they can say she did but not the day it was leaked to you," one wrote.

"I believe him & can’t wait until he proves everyone wrong. He is credible. Is it so far-fetched that he got the scoop? Harry & Meghan are in Hollywood now," another added.

"And the BBC hasn’t released anything officially saying it’s not true. One would think the palace would get this out ASAP if it weren’t true," a different user commented.

"Stay strong, keep up the good work. I still believe in real journalism," another Lee supporter wrote.

"Just because there is 'protocol' doesn’t mean it is followed and there isn’t a breach. Second, this is a blog, news platform and it’s their job to 'stay in the loop' just saying," a different netizen stated.

Even if Buckingham Palace did not address Lee's tweets and the report on Hollywood Unlocked, it confirmed earlier that the Queen joined the weekly meeting with U.K. Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Wednesday, suggesting that Her Majesty was not dead. She has since resumed her duties amid her COVID-19 diagnosis and had two virtual appointments on Thursday.