Kirstie Alley died of colon cancer

Actor Kirstie Alley died of colon cancer Dec. 5, according to news reports, her family and her manager, but some social media users suggest they know better. 

"Was waiting to have time to do this death faker #kirstiealley is a MAN," said the caption on one unfounded Instagram post. "That's a MAN baby! And don't worry they just faked their death."

The post was flagged as part of Facebook’s efforts to combat false news and misinformation on its News Feed. (Read more about our partnership with Meta, which owns Facebook and Instagram.)

There’s no evidence to support the claim that Alley faked her death, or that she was born male. (The post’s evidence for this latter claim — "wonky eyes, straight clavicle" — does not pass muster.)

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Alley’s children posted a statement on the actor’s Twitter account Dec. 5 announcing her death "after a battle with cancer, only recently discovered."

"She was surrounded by her closest family and fought with great strength, leaving us with a certainty of her never-ending joy of living and whatever adventures lie ahead," the statement said. "We are grateful to the incredible team of doctors and nurses at the Moffitt Cancer Center for their care."

Her manager later told news outlets, including NBC News, that Alley’s cancer was colon cancer. She had been receiving treatment at the Moffitt Cancer Center in Florida’s Tampa Bay area. 

We rate claims that she faked her death Pants on Fire!