Beloved Australian entertainer Magda Szubanski has found herself targeted by a particularly cruel online hoax, with false information circulating across social media platforms claiming she had recently passed away. The distressing misinformation campaign represents the second time this year the comedian has been subjected to such heartless deception while publicly battling a serious health condition.
Fake Tributes Spread Across Social Media
A recent photograph of Magda was shared to various social media channels accompanied by completely fabricated and emotionally manipulative captions. One particularly disturbing fake tribute began with the words: "Thank you and goodbye Magda Szubanski. 1961 - 2026." The post continued with additional false claims, stating: "Grab your tissues! At 4 a.m. today, the family of beloved entertainer Magda Szubanski released a heartbreaking announcement: 'She can finally rest in peace...'"
Followers Quickly Identify the Deception
Alert followers and fans were quick to recognise the posts as fraudulent, noting that genuine news of Magda's passing would have been widely reported across mainstream media outlets. Many took to comment sections to express their frustration and disappointment with the cruel deception. One social media user pointed out the obvious discrepancy, writing: "If Magda had passed it would be all over the news." Another commented with a touch of dark humour: "I wonder what the celebrities think when they see themselves pass away." A third simply stated the obvious truth: "It would be on news before anywhere else. Not true."
Second Malicious Hoax This Year
This disturbing incident marks the second time in 2025 that the much-loved comedian has been victimised by heartless online scams. Back in January, Magda was forced to issue a stark warning to her supporters after unscrupulous fraudsters used her likeness and personal health situation to create fake fundraising campaigns. The scammers exploited the public's knowledge of her cancer diagnosis to solicit donations under false pretences.
Previous Cancer Treatment Scam Exposed
Following her shocking stage four cancer diagnosis earlier this year, Magda took to her own social media channels to expose a particularly manipulative hoax. She shared an AI-generated image depicting a woman who bore some resemblance to her lying in a hospital bed, making absolutely clear that the image was completely fabricated. The Kath & Kim star explained that this fake content was being circulated online to raise funds supposedly for her cancer treatment, despite having no connection whatsoever to these fraudulent appeals.
In her characteristically direct manner, Magda wrote: "Dear peeps. This lovely lady – whoever she is – is not me. I hope she's doing well." She issued a firm warning to her followers, stating: "Please don't think it's me and DEFINITELY DO NOT DONATE MONEY TO ANY MEDICAL FUNDRAISER THAT PURPORTS TO BE ME!! If you want the real me you can always find me here. Otherwise – it's a scam."
Magda's Public Health Journey
In May of this year, Magda made the courageous decision to share her cancer diagnosis publicly, revealing she was battling a rare and aggressive form of blood cancer known as Mantle Cell Lymphoma. She appeared on camera with a shaved head after beginning treatment, explaining her situation with characteristic honesty and resilience.
"Hello my lovelies. So, the head is shaved in anticipation of it all falling out in a couple of weeks because I have just been diagnosed with a very rare, aggressive, very serious lymphoma," she began. "It is one of the nasty ones, unfortunately. The good thing is I'm surrounded by beautiful friends, family and an incredible medical support team."
Treatment and Medical Support
Magda expressed gratitude for the quality of medical care available in Australia, particularly praising the specialists in Melbourne. She explained that she had begun a treatment protocol called the Nordic protocol, which treats Mantle Cell Lymphoma by shrinking tumours through a combination of drugs administered in five distinct phases. Despite the seriousness of her diagnosis, she maintained a hopeful outlook, noting: "Honestly, we have the best in the world here in Australia. I feel very fortunate. It's pretty confronting, full on. But new treatments keep coming down the pipeline all the time."
Long History of Health Advocacy
This latest chapter represents another moment in Magda's extensive and very public engagement with health issues throughout her career. She previously served as the public face for one of Australia's best-known weight loss brands, Jenny Craig, and more recently starred in the ABC television programme Magda's Big National Health Check.
The comedian has been remarkably open about her various health challenges over the years, including living with osteoarthritis, autoimmune arthritis, sleep apnoea, and migraines. Beyond physical health concerns, Magda has also been a vocal and influential advocate for mental health awareness, candidly sharing her personal experiences with anxiety and encouraging others to seek support.
Speaking Truth About Body Image
In a powerful and widely-read essay published by the ABC in 2022, Magda opened up about her lifelong struggles with weight and the damaging psychological impact of chronic dieting. Her willingness to speak honestly about these deeply personal issues has made her an important voice in discussions about body image, self-acceptance, and holistic wellbeing.
The combination of her current health battle and these cruel online hoaxes has created an especially challenging period for the beloved entertainer, yet she continues to face these difficulties with the same humour, honesty, and resilience that has endeared her to generations of Australian audiences.
