Editor’s Note: If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts or a mental health emergency, please contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by call or text. Alternative resources that do not contact law enforcement are listed at the bottom of this article.
Stephen Boss, a dancer, DJ and former executive producer of “The Ellen DeGeneres Show,” died on Dec. 13 at age 40.
The Los Angeles County medical examiner-coroner’s office has ruled his death a suicide.
On social media, some people are spreading unfounded rumors that Boss — who was known as tWitch — died because of the COVID-19 vaccine.
“Why do we so personally and quickly know that Stephen ‘tWitch’ Boss supposedly committed suicide?” one tweet said, using the hashtag of a movie that promotes false conspiracy theories about the COVID-19 vaccine. “So you don’t dare consider the #vaccine was the cause of his death!”
“Hide the reason COVID vaccine,” another tweet said. “Too many dying too early. Investigate.”
“My guess is another vaccine tragedy,” said yet another.
The performer’s cause of death is available on the Los Angeles County medical examiner-coroner’s website and says Boss died from a self-inflicted injury. The medical examiner-coroner didn’t list any “other significant conditions.”
In statements to publications including People magazine, Boss’ wife didn’t mention the COVID-19 vaccine.
We found no evidence connecting Boss’ death to the COVID-19 vaccine — only unsubstantiated claims on social media. We rate them False.
