DMX’s manager, Steve Rifkind has confirmed that the rapper is still alive but on life support at White Plains Hospital, as rumours about his death continue to trend on Twitter.
Steve Rifkind who confirmed this on Thursday night in an Instagram live video, asked fans to “stop posting rumours” falsely speculating that the rapper has died.
“Everybody Please stop posting these rumours, DMX is still alive,” DMX’s manager Steve Rifkind said of the multi-platinum rapper and actor, whose real name is Earl Simmons. “Yes, he is still on life support but it is not helping anybody by seeing these false rumours.”
“Let the family relax for a night, you’ll be hearing a statement from the family sometime tomorrow.”
Adding that he’d been working with DMX for the past three years, Rifkind once again said that “the only thing I ask is just stopped with the rumours”.
The hashtag #RIPDMX had trended in the US on Thursday night after comedian Luenell posted an “RIP” message about the rapper on Instagram. However, she later deleted the post, apologising and confirming that she considered someone to be “gone” when “your spirit leaves and your organs fail you”.
Earlier this week, Rifkind had called for an end to “inaccurate information” circulating about DMX, calling it “not helpful and productive”.
DMX was put on life support at a White Plains hospital over the weekend, according to his longtime attorney Murray Richman.
“He had a heart attack. He’s quite ill,” Richman said.
The attorney said he could not confirm reports that his client overdosed on drugs, and said he was not sure what caused the heart attack. Sources told TMZ that DMX overdosed at his home around 11 p.m. Friday.
On Saturday night, TMZ reported it received a statement from a representative of DMX that said: “Last night Earl ‘DMX’ Simmons was rushed to the hospital after collapsing at home. At this time he remains in ICU in critical condition. Earl has been a warrior his entire life. This situation represents yet another road he must conquer.
“The Simmons family appreciates the overwhelming outpouring of heartfelt love, encouragement, support and prayers for Earl. Earl is someone whose life and music have been a source of inspiration and strength to so many people around the world.
It is reassuring to see his fans return that same passion and energy to him during his time of need.”