UPDATE: We previously reported on Hollywood Unlocked's apology for reportedly sharing an unconfirmed report about Queen Elizabeth II passing away. Jason Lee, the CEO of Hollywood Unlocked, has issued a statement about the apology, claiming that it came from a fake account. The apology was also reported on by Variety, The Shade Room, and multiple other sources.
"Woke up to some fake account posting a retraction," said Jason Lee on Wednesday (February 23). "We do not know that account and we have not retracted our story. There has yet to be an official statement from the Palace. Staying tuned."
Keep it locked to HNHH for the latest in this fiasco, and read below for the original story.
On Tuesday afternoon (February 22), Jason Lee's Hollywood Unlocked blog released an exclusive report that Queen Elizabeth II had passed away after contracting COVID-19. However, they were the only source reporting the news. Many found themselves asking why, of all people, Jason Lee would have the tea on the Royal Family. If the Queen were to pass away, that news would be all over more credible news sources, right? Well, it turns out that this was yet another false alarm and while Jason Lee appears to still be standing by his exclusive report, Hollywood Unlocked has issued an apology for spreading misinformation.
"Our deepest apologies goes out to the #RoyalFamily and all involved in this embarrassing situation," posted the official Hollywood Unlocked account on Twitter. "It was an accident and we're working hard to make sure that this mistake never happens again. The intern journalist was misinformed and published the draft post by mistake."
Despite this explanation, CEO Jason Lee is still doubling down on his report that the Queen is dead. He has yet to delete his tweet, reading, "We don’t post lies and I always stand by my sources. Waiting for an official statement from the palace."
Meanwhile, the internet believes this might be the end of Jason Lee. If Tasha K got sued for saying Cardi B had an STD, then Jason Lee might be facing a hefty lawsuit from the Royal Family. Or worse yet, some Twitter users think he might disappear off the face of the planet because of this.
What do you think about Jason Lee and Hollywood Unlocked false reporting on the Queen's death?