We’ve seen some mighty journalism fails from once reputable outlets lately. The New York Times, as we reported, once considered the standard for excellence, blasted out this unbelievable headline earlier in April:
A North American Treaty Alliance Without America?
There’s a slight problem with this angle, however: the article was about NATO, which is the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. Oops.
After That Embarrassing NY Times ‘NATO’ Headline the Press Opposes Applying Their Own Standards
Now CNN, which still occasionally uses its tagline, “The Most Trusted Name in News,” got in on the game Wednesday with its fond remembrance of the star of the Hollywood blockbuster Back to the Future movies. “Remembering the life of actor Michael J. Fox,” they played across the screen.
One wee bit of a problem here, though.
Michael J. Fox is very much alive. He’s suffered from Parkinson’s disease since 1991, but he’s still going strong and wasn’t all that appreciative to see that segment on his TV.
His response was epic:
Michael J. Fox speaks out after CNN sparked a death scare by releasing a video titled “Remembering the life of actor Michael J. Fox.” The network said it was an "error."
— Variety (@Variety) April 9, 2026
“How do you react when you turn on the TV and CNN is reporting your death?" Fox asked his followers on social… pic.twitter.com/r7PeuofiN7
Not only is Fox still breathing, but he had appeared the night before at the PaleyFest in Los Angeles for a panel regarding the Apple+ show Shrinking, which he co-starred in (as a living person) for Season 3.
Despite his challenges and what for him had to be a creepy report, Fox still maintains his humor. He posted to the social media platform Threads on Wednesday:
“How do you react when you turn on the TV and CNN is reporting your death?” Fox asked his followers. “Do you…A) switch to MNSBC, or whatever they are calling themselves these days, (B) Pour scolding hot water on your lap, if it hurts your fine, (C) Call your wife, hopefully she’s concerned but reassuring, (D) Relax, they do this once every year, (E) Ask yourself wtf ? I thought the world was ending, but apparently it’s just me and I’m ok. Love, Mike.”
So good.
Did @CNN accidentally post an obituary for Michael J Fox (now deleted, just goes to their homepage) or are their headline writers really, really bad? pic.twitter.com/Z87qWbzYkw
— Derek Hunter (@derekahunter) April 8, 2026
CNN tried to wipe the egg off its face, to no avail:
A CNN spokesperson said in a statement obtained by PEOPLE, “The package was published in error; we have removed it from our platforms and send our apologies to Michael J. Fox and his family."
The clip in question featured interview excerpts, as well as some of Fox’s work through the years, Entertainment Weekly stated. It appears to have since been deleted.
As Mark Twain wrote in 1897, “The report of my death was an exaggeration.” We are glad to note that Michael J. Fox has recovered from his mortal demise, and we wish him well in his future endeavors.
But CNN… Oh boy. Like with what happened at the NY Times, where not a single editor seemed to know what NATO was, you just can’t really conceive of how something like this got through the team to be splashed all over their digital media platforms and cable channel.
We all make mistakes, but these two are real whoppers, and help explain why both outlets have lost so much credibility in modern times.
Editor's Note: The mainstream media continues to deflect, gaslight, spin, and lie about President Trump, his administration, and conservatives.
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