Celebrities in both the UK and US are lining up to apologize for spreading “terrible” conspiracy theories about Princess Kate.
Heads of state and government, celebrities and royals have spoken out about Kate's shock cancer diagnosis and the conspiracy theories that have taken over social media in recent weeks.
The 42-year-old Princess of Wales announced in an emotional video message yesterday that she was undergoing preventive chemotherapy.
The announcement came after weeks of intense speculation and conspiracy theories on social media about Kate's whereabouts and health.
Now hordes of celebrities and internet trolls who have spread bizarre speculation about Kate's whereabouts are rushing to apologize.
Reality TV star and former Atomic Kitten singer Kerry Katona said she would “hold my hands up” as she expressed regret over the spread of conspiracy theories.
Former Atomic Kitten singer Kerry Katona regrets being drawn into conspiracy theories. Image: Kate Green/Getty Images
She told The Sun: “There were so many conspiracy theories. I'll hold my hands up.
“I think I was one of them too, you know, it was like the royal family was our family.
“We all think we know her, and I understand that better than anyone.
“Everyone thinks they know who you are as a true human being, and I just feel like we've all fallen into this rabbit hole and I got sucked into it.
“I’m no better than the next person. You take a magazine. I read about someone and think, “I can’t believe this happened to him.”
“Then I read something about myself and think, 'Oh, that's a load of nonsense,' so I understand how we all get caught up in this.
“I don’t know, it feels weird. It feels wrong to be here. I do not know why.”
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British left-wing activist and journalist Owen Jones wrote on
He previously said he was “fully on board the Kate Middleton truth train” – a reference to bizarre online conspiracy theorists who spread false claims about the princess's whereabouts.
Yesterday, as Kate's cancer news broke the world, American actress Blake Lively also apologized after making fun of Kate's edited Mother's Day photo.
Actress Blake Lively also mocked Kate on Instagram. Image: Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images
“I'm sure no one cares today, but I feel like I need to acknowledge this,” she wrote on her Instagram account.
“I wrote a silly post about Photoshop failing, and oh man, that post put me to shame today.
“I'm sorry. I always send love and good wishes to everyone.”
Fans told the 36-year-old, who is married to Wrexham owner Ryan Reynolds, that she “should be ashamed”.
Kate supporters say Lively, who is married to actor Ryan Reynolds, should be “ashamed.” Image: Sean Zanni/Patrick McMullan via Getty Images
Royal expert Hugo Vickers criticized celebrities who spread conspiracies about Princess Kate's health.
Hugo Vickers, royal historian, told The Sun: “The conspiracy theorists have had a huge success in recent days.
“It says a lot about the mindset of these people. The celebrities, but also the very irresponsible members of the general public who somehow also got involved.
“It was extremely unattractive because we all love the Princess of Wales and she did a fantastic job.
“She is truly impeccable in everything she has done since marrying Prince William.”
The expert added that all the vile trolling and “katespiracies” had “made things a lot harder” than they already were.
“I simply think they should be very ashamed,” he added.
“I think quite a few people came up and apologized, and rightly so.
“You shouldn’t joke about it or talk about all sorts of absurd theories.”
Piers Morgan has criticized stars from Hollywood and beyond for their tasteless comments. Image: David M. Benett/Dave Benett/Getty Images
Piers Morgan also criticized those spreading conspiracy theories about Kate's well-being.
He tweeted: “People here are screaming 'Leave Kate alone!' If they've spent the last few weeks spewing insane conspiracy theories about her, that's not a parody.
“Shut up, you shameless hypocrites.”
Fans have also called on Kim Kardashian to apologize for her Instagram post, “I'm on my way to find Kate.”
The reality star shared a series of snaps on Instagram, but fans were quick to spot an inappropriate and thoughtless reference to the royal family.
She captioned the glamorous pictures: “On the way to find Kate.”
Angry followers flooded the comments section, with one writing: “You should remove this!”
This article originally appeared in The Sun and has been reproduced with permission
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