http://twitter.com/#!/TAYL0R_N0SWIFT/status/233744665688555520

John Witherspoon dead? Say it ain’t so!

As news of Witherspoon’s death bounced around the Twitterverse, thousands mourned the loss of the actor best known for his work in the “Friday” film franchise.

https://twitter.com/TAYL0R_N0SWIFT/status/233744665688555520

Whoa whoa whoa! John Witherspoon died?! Nooo not Pops! Dang man, this is sad. RIP John Witherspoon.

— WonderTwins (@JuMONDji) August 10, 2012

https://twitter.com/Rodneyhood4/status/233769903398727680

RIP John Witherspoon aka Pops from Friday! You didn't make it to be in the movie "Last Friday" but God Made A Way for you to be with him!

— Walter White-Babbs (@TeamChrisP) August 10, 2012

WAAAAITTTTT RIP JOHN WITHERSPOON AKA POPS?????????? is this real or a Hoax!!!!!!!!!!

— Bruce Briggz (@Brucebriggz) August 10, 2012

And the verdict is … death by Twitter rumor. Actresses Regina King and Jackée Harry confirmed Witherspoon is alive and kicking.

John Witherspoon is not dead!!! He is performing at the Improv in Ft. Lauderdale. Follow him @john_pops_spoon

— Regina King (@ReginaKing) August 10, 2012

John Witherspoon ( @John_POPS_Spoon ) Is NOT Dead – And Shame On Whoever's Behind Such A Hurtful/Disgusting Lie!

— Jackée Harry (@JackeeHarry) August 10, 2012

It wasn’t long before Witherspoon caught wind of the rumor.

What the Hell y'all talking bout on Here?!?!? I ain't "DEAD" I'm in Ft Lauderdale at the Hard Rock Cafe Gettin dat Paper #YeeTiDee

— John Witherspoon (@John_POPS_Spoon) August 10, 2012

Hey but since I'm #Trending y'all better follow me and spread the word that "I AIN'T DEAD" Shiiiit I'm too busy Gettin this money 2 die haha

— John Witherspoon (@John_POPS_Spoon) August 10, 2012

Not one to let a death hoax go to waste, Witherspoon seized the opportunity to promote his cooking show.

Hey since ya'll care about me so much go check out my Cooking show on YouTube here's the link http://t.co/rdmOhUJp and SUBSCRIBE #YeeTiDee

— John Witherspoon (@John_POPS_Spoon) August 10, 2012

Follow my son on #Twitter too y'all @JDWitherspoon he's a playa like his Daddy and go subscribe to him on #YouTube http://t.co/XwmVEYYo

— John Witherspoon (@John_POPS_Spoon) August 10, 2012

Now if only he could get his Twitter account verified.

Just wanna say Thank You #Twitter for making me Internet Famous for about 35-45min now yall should hook my Account up and #Verify it #Playa

— John Witherspoon (@John_POPS_Spoon) August 10, 2012

I should've sent that last tweet to @Verified well ya'll better hook me up soon or somebody gonna get a WHOOPIN!!! #DontMakeMeTakeOffMyBelt

— John Witherspoon (@John_POPS_Spoon) August 10, 2012

Read more: http://twitchy.com/2012/08/10/rip-john-witherspoon-twitter-death-hoax-strikes-again/