Queen Latifah is assuring fans that rumors of her death are false. The entertainer addressed the viral claim in a short Instagram video.
The rapper and actress, whose real name is Dana Owens, appeared in the clip smiling and speaking directly to followers. She said she was healthy and urged viewers not to trust everything online.
“Good morning! It’s me, Latifah,” she said in the video. “I’m 100% A-OK.”
The video came after online rumors circulated this week claiming the 55-year-old star had died. The claims spread across social media before the entertainer addressed them herself.
Latifah also offered a brief warning about misinformation.
“Can’t believe what you read on the internet or see,” she said. “Can’t believe nothin’ now, right? I’m good. Peace.”
In the clip, Latifah wore an olive-green hoodie and recorded the message from inside a vehicle. She smiled, blew kisses toward the camera and flashed a peace sign before ending the video.
The post quickly reassured fans who had been confused by the circulating reports.
Rumor spreads quickly online
False celebrity death reports appear regularly on social media platforms. Experts say the rumors often gain traction because posts spread quickly before facts are confirmed.
In this case, the origin of the rumor remained unclear. However, it circulated widely enough to reach the performer and prompt her response.
Fans reacted strongly in the comments of Latifah’s Instagram post. Many expressed relief after seeing the video. Others criticized those who helped spread the rumor.
Supporters also praised the performer for addressing the situation calmly and directly. Several commenters thanked her for clearing up the confusion.
A career spanning music, film and television
Latifah is widely recognized as one of hip-hop’s pioneering female artists. She first rose to fame in the late 1980s after releasing her debut album, All Hail the Queen, in 1989.
Over the decades, she built a career that extends far beyond music. Latifah starred in films including Chicago, Last Holiday and Girls Trip. Her performance in Chicago earned her an Academy Award nomination for supporting actress.
She also gained television success through projects such as the sitcom Living Single and later the action drama The Equalizer.
Born in Newark, New Jersey, Latifah grew up in nearby East Orange. She remains one of the most influential figures to emerge from hip-hop’s early era.
Her recent Instagram message was brief, but it served its purpose. The performer confirmed she is alive, well and continuing her work.