GILBERT Gottfried’s Twitter account was hacked and deleted hours after his family confirmed his unexpected passing.
The actor had been privately battling an illness before his death, according to a statement from his family.
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On Tuesday, just hours after the Aladdin star’s family tweeted about his death, a series of shocking and inappropriate messages appeared on his account.
It appeared the tweets were posted by a hacker, who seized the opportunity to promote their own Twitter profile before Gilbert’s entire account was temporarily deleted.
Among the crude messages were tweets that promoted an amateur porn star’s OnlyFans account as well as links to a rapper’s SoundCloud page.
However, the fake tweets appear to have since been deleted and the account is now back in the control of the late comic’s family.
The announcement of his death, shared this afternoon, is still visible on the account.
Before the Twitter account was hacked, Gilbert’s family shared a photo of the actor holding out his hands and smiling.
A message on the photo revealed: “We are heartbroken to announce the passing of our beloved Gilbert Gottfried after a long illness.
“In addition to being the most iconic voice in comedy, Gilbert was a wonderful husband, brother, friend and father to his two young children.”
The tweet concluded: “Although today is a sad day for all of us, please keep laughing as loud as possible in Gilbert’s honor.”
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That’s hardly the only controversy that occurred in the wake of Gilbert’s death.
BREAKING THE NEWS
More than 15 minutes before Gilbert’s family confirmed his death, Seinfeld star Jason Alexander tweeted a sad message about the star’s passing.
His tweet left many shocked, as they were just learning of the death then and it had not been announced anywhere previously.
Jason wrote: “Gilbert Gottfried made me laugh at times when laughter did not come easily.
“What a gift. I did not know him well but I loved what he shared with me.”
His message concluded: “My best wishes and sympathy to his family.”
One user responded: “Oh no. He died.”
Another wrote: “Is this true??????”
A third noted just how narrowly Jason had beaten Gilbert’s family to the punch, writing: “Holy s**t 14 minutes before the official tweet.”
Several users linked to a tweet from the prolific voice actor’s account, which was shared moments after Jason’s memorial.
Many of those posts were shared in response to fans who took Jason’s tweet as a joke.
One such commenter tweeted: “No one else is reporting this Jason. Has this been confirmed?”
Another wrote: “Joke? Is Jason Alexander the first to report this breaking news, or publicly joking with Gilbert Gottfried?”
A few fans suggested it was “not his place” to share the news before the deceased funnyman’s family.
MESSAGES FROM FANS
Following the heartbreaking tweet on Gilbert’s account, fans flocked to the social media platform to express their sadness.
“RIP to an icon,” one wrote.
Others shared a photo of Gilbert, Bob Saget, and Louie Anderson, all of whom recently died.
Another fan wrote: “I don’t think a lot of people realized how brilliant these guys were. RIP”
A third tweeted: “I guess heaven is looking to put on a hell of a show.”
Read our Gilbert Gottfried live blog for the latest news and updates…
Glenn Schwartz, Gilbert’s longtime publicist, told PEOPLE in an official statement: “Beloved and iconic comedian Gilbert Gottfried passed away at 2:35 p.m. ET on April 12, 2022 from Recurrent Ventricular Tachycardia due to Myotonic Dystrophy type II.”
CONCERNING
While Gilbert’s death came as a shock to fans, some saw signs he wasn’t doing well in his final social media posts.
One of his more recent video posts showcases his “frail” frame.
The star continued touring and had an active social media presence, though his final posts sparked concern for his wellbeing according to some fans.
Despite his ever-upbeat attitude – and comedy podcast that he recorded well into 2022 called Gilbert Gottfried’s Amazing Colossal Podcast – his off-camera appearance was undeniably changing.
“It’s Valentine’s Day again so why don’t you send a personalized shoutout from me, Gilbert Gottfried,” he declared to Instagram in a front-facing video wearing a plaid shirt on February 1st.
Though one fan commented: “My favorite comedian!” another wrote, “Startled me.”
Fans were also worried by his posts shared around that same time.
The photo saw him wearing a blue shirt and many were confused by the sanitized-looking location.
“This is mildly concerning,” one wrote.
“Are you wearing a hospital gown?” asked a second.
“See you in Toronto? Stay alive for my sake ok,” a third joked – though in a style the envelope-pushing comic might have smiled at.
Under a March 12th Instagram of Gilbert with a peer, one user wrote: “You’re looking a little thin buddy. You ok?”
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