On Friday, TMZ reported that rapper Rick Ross was in a Miami hospital on heart and lung support. The 42-year-old Maybach Music mogul reportedly fell ill at his mother’s home in Davie, Florida, and TMZ claimed he was in a cardiac intensive care unit on a form of life support called ECMO. But after numerous conflicting reports from insiders, it now appears that Ross’ “illness” is not as serious as initially reported.
Rumors are now swirling that Ross was actually hospitalized in stable condition for the oft-reported celebrity affliction “dehydration and exhaustion”.
Adding to the confusion, one of Ross’s baby mamas took to social media to promote TV One’s Uncensored docuseries featuring Ross, which airs on Sunday.
One clue that a major story is actually a promo stunt is when a family member, sibling or spouse immediately takes to social media to promote an upcoming TV series, movie or album — like Ross’s baby mama did.
Using the IG handle @stoni.love, she writes:
“Trust him… #GODSPLAN @tvonetv @richforever 10pm Sunday the work pays off but rest is a must.” She added: “THANK YOU all for your prayers support & concerns but I am bless to say #thatsjustmybabydaddy is FINE”.
In another photo, she poses in front of a white Rolls Royce similar to the one in a photo published by TMZ in a story titled “Rick Ross’ Family Rushes to Miami Hospital in a Panic”.
Coincidence?
PR stunts have been a part of celebrity marketing for as long as Hollywood has been in existence. But the rise of social media has put pressure on celebrities and their management to create viral stunts to stay ahead of the competition.
With reality TV stars and rappers going viral every day, the competition is stiff.
Photo by Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images
