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The Avril Lavigne death conspiracy theory suggests that the original Avril Lavigne died in 2002, and a body double named Melissa Vandella has been impersonating her since. This theory originated in 2011 with a Brazilian blog called “Avril Esta Morta,” meaning “Avril is Dead.” The blog compiled various “evidence” for Lavigne’s death, with the central claim being that Lavigne was too mentally fragile to handle fame and hired Melissa Vandella to act as a decoy.
According to the conspiracy theory:
- Death and Replacement: Avril Lavigne supposedly hanged herself in 2002 due to the pressures of stardom and depression after her grandfather’s death. The record label, unwilling to lose a lucrative artist, hired Melissa Vandella to replace her. The tragedy was allegedly swept under the rug, and Avril Rangers, a group of conspiracy theorists, began uncovering clues left by Melissa.
- Change in Musical Style: Fans claimed that changes in Lavigne’s musical style, particularly in her second album, “Under My Skin,” were evidence of a different singer. The album’s cover, featuring the words “Avril Lavigne Under My Skin” in black with a red cross, was interpreted as mourning and blood. The lyrics and imagery were analyzed to support the theory.
- Updated Look: Changes in Lavigne’s appearance, including disappearing skin blemishes and a perceived rhinoplasty, were cited as physical evidence of a replacement. Conspiracy theorists also claimed that Lavigne’s height had “dramatically” shifted since Melissa took over.
Despite the widespread circulation of this conspiracy theory, Avril Lavigne has addressed it on multiple occasions, dismissing it as unfounded. In 2014, she was introduced to the rumor on a Brazilian TV show and did not actively refute it. However, in 2017, she expressed confusion about why fans would believe such a theory and asserted, “No, I’m not dead. I’m here.”
It’s essential to note that conspiracy theories often lack factual basis and rely on speculation and misinterpretation of events. Avril Lavigne’s continued presence in the public eye and her own statements refute the claims made by this conspiracy theory.