Fake image of Mr Bean actor bedridden goes viral

WEB DESK: Social media is buzzing yet again with a hoax suggesting that Rowan Atkinson, the comedic genius behind Mr Bean, is bedridden and in poor health.

A viral image purports to show Atkinson in a fragile state in 2024 compared to his vibrant self in the 1990s. However, the image is revealed to be nothing but fake.

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The controversy erupted when numerous posts across social media platform Facebook and TikTok started circulating, evoking sympathy and shock over Mr Bean’s supposed decline. Users shared side-by-side images of Atkinson as we know him and the purported bedridden version.

Our team got down to brass tacks, diving into the digital depths to uncover the truth. What did we uncover? Brace yourselves for the plot twist: the viral image wasn’t Mr Bean at all!

Instead, it originated from a British media article dating back to January 2020, featuring a man named Barry Balderstone. Barry, sadly, was suffering from severe health issues and passed away due to inadequate medical care.

Someone with a twisted sense of humour digitally altered Barry’s photo to resemble our beloved Mr. Bean, creating a hoax that tugged at heartstrings and sparked unnecessary worry among fans. It’s a classic case of mistaken identity gone viral, proving once again that the internet can be a playground of misinformation.

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Rest assured, Rowan Atkinson is alive and kicking. Recently spotted at a Formula One event, he’s far from bedridden and continues to charm audiences with his trademark antics. Reports of his health decline, it turns out, were greatly exaggerated and rooted in a case of mistaken visual identity.