Trending Now - William Shatner Denies Cancer Rumors and Feuds in New Statement
WHO:
US Magazine - William Shatner, actor, age 95
NY Post - Erika Kirk, individual mentioned in relation to Shatner
WHAT:
Fox News - Shatner stated that AI-generated stories falsely claimed he has cancer and is dying, and he described these stories as "horrible fake news stories."
Fox News - Shatner mentioned that the page spreading the fake news is known as The Beanstalk Functions Group, which he identified as an event planner in South Africa.
Fox News - Shatner claimed that the AI-generated stories are monetized and often use an AI image of him.
Fox News - Shatner shared that Facebook Support removed the page for "violating our policies" on Thursday, April 2nd, 2026.
Fox News - Shatner expressed that the culprits behind the fake news stories are profiting while fans send messages of support to him and his family.
US Magazine - Shatner addressed claims of battling Stage IV brain cancer and feuding with Erika Kirk.
NY Post - Shatner described the cancer rumors as "horrible fake news stories."
WHERE:
US Magazine - Shatner made his statements via his official social media accounts.
WHEN:
US Magazine - Shatner's statement was made on Thursday, April 2nd, 2026.
NY Post - Shatner shared earlier in April 2026 that he needed shoulder surgery after falling off one of his horses.
WHY:
US Magazine - Shatner waited until after April Fools' Day to clarify the rumors.
HOW:
Fox News - Shatner urged fans to be skeptical of "bizarre" stories about him and highlighted the downside of AI and yellow journalism.
US Magazine - Shatner used social media to communicate his denial of the cancer rumors and the alleged feud.
(UPDATED April 3, 2026 17:11 UTC)
William Shatner has spoken out against AI-generated stories that falsely claim he has cancer and is dying, labeling them as "horrible fake news stories." He identified the source of this misinformation as The Beanstalk Functions Group, an event planner based in South Africa, and mentioned that Facebook Support removed the page for violating their policies on Thursday. Shatner urged his fans to remain skeptical of these bizarre stories, emphasizing the negative impact of AI and yellow journalism while noting that the culprits are profiting from the situation as his supporters send messages of encouragement.
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(UPDATED April 3, 2026 09:16 UTC)
William Shatner, the 95-year-old actor, took to his social media accounts on Thursday to address claims about battling Stage IV brain cancer and a supposed feud with Erika Kirk, calling the cancer rumors "horrible fake news stories." He clarified these issues after April Fools' Day, following a recent announcement that he needed shoulder surgery after falling off one of his horses. Shatner's statements aim to set the record straight regarding his health and personal life.