Social media is buzzing with news that the beloved British animated children’s character Bob the Builder has died at age 26.
The news has sparked a mix of reactions with many unsure how to treat this news- as a tragic event or just another internet joke.
Here’s everything you need to know to separate the rumors from facts:
Viral posts claim Bob was ‘shot in Atlanta’
According to dozens of viral tweets, Bob was allegedly found dead in Atlanta with three gunshot wounds to the chest.
Some posts even claim that police are searching for the culprit, adding a fake crime scene backstory to make the claim sound more authentic.
One user wrote, “Damn, Bob the Builder was living that gangster life, RIP Bob.”
One user, optimistic about Bob the Builder being alive, read: “Hope the news of Bob the Builder being found dead is wrong.”
Let’s separate fact from fiction
In reality, the rumour comes from a lyric in a rapper JID’s latest song, Community, where he says, “I’ll put a bullet in Bob the f**in’ Builder ‘fore they try and kick us out the building.”
And that was the line JID’s fans picked up and now the rest is history.
This line from JID’ recent song release, Community became an internet sensation, stormed X (formerly Twitter) which has so far garnered over 300,000 likes, and 38,000 tweets with over 18 million views.
The over-the-top claims, paired with dramatic fake news edits, has sparked outrage in online spaces, with thousands joining in on the joke and mock-demanding JID’s arrest.
Who’s Bob the Builder? Every detail here
Meet Bob the builder, the ultimate DIY hero beloved by millennials and Gen Z.
Bob the Builder, was a British animated series created by Keith Chapman, launched in 1998, follows the adventures of Bob and his crew of chatty tools and, machines as they tackle building projects and solve problems.
With his iconic catchphrase “Can we fix it? Yes, we can!”, Bob teaches kids the value of teamwork, creativity, and perseverance.
A global hit, Bob’s feel-good vibes and can-do attitude have made him a beloved character worldwide!