Source: Marc Piasecki / Getty
Angie Martinez went on social media to shut down rumors about the death of DJ Clark Kent, which were hastily published by outlets including The Source.
On Wednesday (Oct. 16), the Hip-Hop website The Source reported that the legendary DJ Clark Kent had passed away suddenly due to an undisclosed illness. Other outlets began to follow suit and report the claim, which would be swiftly debunked by the legendary radio personality Angie Martinez.
“The article that The Source Mag & others have posted about the passing of DJ Clark Kent is false. Clark is home with his family. Please refrain from sharing any other false information. It is hurtful, deeply irresponsible, and untrue,” she wrote in a post on X, formerly Twitter.
The article that The Source Mag & others have posted about the passing of Dj Clark Kent is false. Clark is home with his family. Please refrain from sharing any other false information. It is hurtful, deeply irresponsible and untrue.
— Angie Martinez (@angiemartinez) October 16, 2024
Martinez’s post was quickly responded to by The Source, who quoted her post in their own, writing: “The Source was contacted by a family member who brought that information to us as it was reported on other outlets. We are pleased to hear of the well-being of DJ Clark Kent and apologize to the family for reporting the false information.” To that, Martinez responded: “I assure you, it was not a credible source. Let’s all do better.” Angie Martinez is currently serving as an executive producer on a documentary on the DJ’s life, entitled God’s Favorite DJ: The Story of DJ Clark Kent, and would confirm that she was with the family at the time of the false claim’s publication. Mage, a producer and DJ Clark Kent’s son, also spoke to TMZ Hip-Hop and stated that the news was false.
The Source would later state a retraction, writing: “As we aimed to inform, we also apologize for any discomfort to his family and loved ones and for any inaccurate information relayed from sources we reasonably relied upon. We certainly hope and pray that brother Clark Kent is doing well.”
— The Source Magazine (@TheSource) October 16, 2024
The vaunted publication caught heavy flack from many notable figures in Hip-Hop, including DJ Scratch and Pete Rock on social media. D-Nice would express his dismay in an eloquent post on Instagram as well, writing: “It’s essential to think twice before posting, as our words can hurt more than we realize. Let’s promote kindness and responsibility online.”