By Trendsetter Tribune 
Influencer Charleston White went live on social media to deny a viral rumor claiming he had been shot in Fort Worth, as the false report spread rapidly online.
Charleston White, 48, addressed the rumor directly after posts circulated online claiming he had been shot three times in Fort Worth, Texas.
In a video shared widely on X, White appeared calm and uninjured as he dismissed the claim while riding as a passenger in a car.
“Somebody said I got shot in Fort Worth. I don’t live in Fort Worth […] I stay in Miami,” White said on camera.
The clip, shared by HuffPost deputy editor Philip Lewis, quickly gained traction and appeared to settle the matter for many followers.
How the rumor spread
The claim moved swiftly across social platforms, with some users expressing genuine concern and others questioning whether the report was a hoax designed to generate engagement.
Within hours, the rumor had reached hundreds of thousands of users, underscoring how easily misinformation involving public figures can spread — particularly when it involves violence or death.
White’s on-camera response helped halt further escalation, though the episode briefly reignited debate around his online persona.
A polarizing online figure
Charleston White is known for his blunt and often controversial commentary on hip-hop culture, crime, and social issues. His unfiltered style has earned him both devoted supporters and outspoken critics.
Over the years, he has been involved in several high-profile disputes, including a public feud with rapper Soulja Boy. White has claimed he pepper-sprayed the rapper during an altercation, later joking about the incident on social media. While White said at the time that he planned to pursue charges, it remains unclear whether any legal action followed.
In November 2022, White appeared to pull a gun on DJ U Go Crazy during a discussion about slain Chicago rappers. He later said the firearm was fake. He has also publicly clashed with rapper T.I., further cementing his reputation as a confrontational presence online.
Background: From troubled youth to activist
White has spoken openly about his troubled upbringing. At age five, he was seriously injured in a washing machine accident, and two years later he lost his right eye.
At 14, he was involved in a robbery and later sent to juvenile detention in connection with a robbery and murder case. He was released in 1998 at age 21.
After his release, White studied criminal justice at Texas Wesleyan University and went on to found Helping Young People Excel (HYPE), an organization that mentors young people who were incarcerated at a young age. Through the group, he offers guidance, resources, and motivational support to youth seeking a second chance.
Social media reaction
White’s video response itself went viral, drawing more than 238,500 views and prompting commentary about misinformation and engagement-driven hoaxes.
“The internet is a crazy place for real!” one viewer wrote.
“Wow, someone would make this up for engagement? That is not cool,” another user commented.
Analysis: The speed of misinformation
The incident highlights a recurring issue in the social media era: how quickly false claims about public figures can spread before verification. High-profile influencers, especially those with controversial reputations, are frequent targets of death hoaxes and violent rumors.
While White’s immediate response helped stop the speculation, the episode serves as a reminder of the importance of verifying information before sharing it.