CEO of publication that FALSELY REPORTED Queen Elizabeth’s death says he stands by the story — "We don't post lies!”
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US publication Hollywood Unlocked CEO Jason Lee has stood by the outlet's story on Queen Elizabeth II's death.
It was said that the online newspaper falsely reported that Her Majesty had passed away instead of publishing an article regarding the Queen's battle with a mild case of COVID-19.
Hollywood Unlocked published a story on the alleged death of Queen Elizabeth II. Credit: Hollywood Untucked/Nine.
A few moments after readers called out Hollywood Unlocked for the false claim, a Twitter account named after the publication released a statement, expressing their "deepest apologies" to Britain's Royal Family and calling the fiasco an "embarrassing situation".
The statement read: "It was an accident and we're working hard to make sure that this mistake never happens again. The intern journalist was misinformed and published the draft post by mistake."
The same account also claimed that while the reporting was legitimate, the article was published from a drafts folder.
It should be noted, however, that Hollywood Unlocked does not have any verified Twitter accounts, meaning any account bearing its name could possibly be fake.
Mr Lee also took to Twitter — just a few moments after the apology was posted — to refute the claims of the Twitter account, saying he had "woken up to some fake account posting a retraction" of the Queen Elizabeth II story.
"We do not know that account and we have not retracted our story. There has yet to be an official statement from the Palace. Staying tuned," he wrote.
"We don't post lies and I always stand by my sources. Waiting for an official statement from the palace."
The publication has yet to delete the "exclusive" story about the British monarch's death — which claims to be cited from sources from the "Royal Kingdom" — from its website and Instagram page.
Buckingham Palace has not responded to requests for comments yet.
However, it should be noted that the Palace usually does not comment on online rumours, so, it is more likely that it will not provide any input regarding the issue.
Her Majesty is alive and well, according to Buckingham Palace. Credit: Steve Parsons-WPA Pool/Getty Images.
Meanwhile, the Palace confirmed that the Queen is alive and well as she continues to battle "mild" COVID-19 symptoms.
The monarch also reportedly cancelled planned engagements while she recovers.
The statement read: "As Her Majesty is still experiencing mild cold-like symptoms she has decided not to undertake her planned virtual engagements today, but will continue with light duties."
It was reported that Queen Elizabeth II tested positive for COVID-19 on Sunday shortly after it was confirmed that the Prince of Wales and his wife Camila also tested positive for the virus.
It was said that the online newspaper falsely reported that Her Majesty had passed away instead of publishing an article regarding the Queen's battle with a mild case of COVID-19.
Hollywood Unlocked published a story on the alleged death of Queen Elizabeth II. Credit: Hollywood Untucked/Nine.
A few moments after readers called out Hollywood Unlocked for the false claim, a Twitter account named after the publication released a statement, expressing their "deepest apologies" to Britain's Royal Family and calling the fiasco an "embarrassing situation".
The statement read: "It was an accident and we're working hard to make sure that this mistake never happens again. The intern journalist was misinformed and published the draft post by mistake."
The same account also claimed that while the reporting was legitimate, the article was published from a drafts folder.
It should be noted, however, that Hollywood Unlocked does not have any verified Twitter accounts, meaning any account bearing its name could possibly be fake.
Mr Lee also took to Twitter — just a few moments after the apology was posted — to refute the claims of the Twitter account, saying he had "woken up to some fake account posting a retraction" of the Queen Elizabeth II story.
"We do not know that account and we have not retracted our story. There has yet to be an official statement from the Palace. Staying tuned," he wrote.
"We don't post lies and I always stand by my sources. Waiting for an official statement from the palace."
The publication has yet to delete the "exclusive" story about the British monarch's death — which claims to be cited from sources from the "Royal Kingdom" — from its website and Instagram page.
Buckingham Palace has not responded to requests for comments yet.
However, it should be noted that the Palace usually does not comment on online rumours, so, it is more likely that it will not provide any input regarding the issue.
Her Majesty is alive and well, according to Buckingham Palace. Credit: Steve Parsons-WPA Pool/Getty Images.
Meanwhile, the Palace confirmed that the Queen is alive and well as she continues to battle "mild" COVID-19 symptoms.
The monarch also reportedly cancelled planned engagements while she recovers.
The statement read: "As Her Majesty is still experiencing mild cold-like symptoms she has decided not to undertake her planned virtual engagements today, but will continue with light duties."
It was reported that Queen Elizabeth II tested positive for COVID-19 on Sunday shortly after it was confirmed that the Prince of Wales and his wife Camila also tested positive for the virus.