Update | Ex-Google China chief Lee Kai-fu dismisses rumours of his demise
China's social media on Friday was full of erroneous speculation that the former Google China chief and influential microblogger Lee Kai-fu, who has been publicly battling cancer, had died.
After Morgan Freeman and Brad Pitt, ex-Google China chief Lee Kai-fu has become the latest celebrity to be rumoured dead on China's viral online community in hearsay that misled thousands.
China's social media on Friday evening was full of rumours that the ex-Google China chief and influential microblogger Lee, who has been publicly battling cancer, had passed on.
"2014-01-17, 20: 8:47, Kaifu passed due to illness," read a Weibo message posted by microblogger Ran Xiang. The news rapidly triggered thousands of reposts and comments. Many seemed saddened and even paid tributes to Lee. Others were unconvinced and questioned the credibility of the report.
"Thank you for your concerns and thoughts. I am all fine and I am here to dispel the rumour," he wrote.
"I have been getting treated, resting and doing exercise," Lee added.
The 51-year-old has been receiving treatment in Taipei after being diagnosed with lymphoma last year. He had about 20 tumours, mainly in the area of his abdomen, according to Chinese media.