Who is Yao Ming?
Yao Ming is a former Chinese basketball player and executive, who played for the Shanghai Sharks in the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) and the Houston Rockets in the National Basketball Association (NBA). He is one of the most famous and successful athletes from China, and has been named to the NBA All-Star team eight times and the All-NBA team five times. He is also the president of the CBA and a member of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference
What is the death hoax?
In December 2023, a Facebook page called “R.I.P. Yao Ming” was created, claiming that the basketball legend had passed away at the age of 43. The page attracted nearly one million likes and hundreds of comments from fans who expressed their condolences and sadness. The page also provided a fake account of Yao’s death, saying that he died at 11 a.m. ET on Sunday, December 10, 2023
The death hoax quickly spread on social media platforms such as Twitter and Instagram, where many people shared the news without verifying its authenticity. Some celebrities and media outlets also fell for the prank and posted tributes to Yao
How did Yao respond?
Yao Ming is alive and well, and has not commented on the death hoax publicly. However, his representatives have confirmed that the rumor is false and that he is still working as the president of the CBA. They also urged people to stop believing what they see on the internet and to check the facts before spreading misinformation
Yao is not the first celebrity to be targeted by a death hoax, as many other famous people such as Jackie Chan, Morgan Freeman, and Will Smith have been victims of similar pranks in the past. These hoaxes are usually done for fun, attention, or malicious purposes, and can cause confusion and distress among fans and family members
Why is Yao important?
Yao Ming is not only a basketball icon, but also a cultural ambassador and a philanthropist. He has helped to promote the sport of basketball in China and around the world, and has bridged the gap between the East and the West. He has also supported various causes such as wildlife conservation, education, and disaster relief. He has been inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame and the FIBA Hall of Fame, and has received numerous awards and honors for his achievements and contributions
Yao Ming is a living legend and a role model for many people, especially for the younger generation of Chinese athletes. He has inspired millions of fans with his talent, passion, and humility. He is one of the greatest players of all time, and his legacy will live on
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