Why do conspiracy theories arise?

Conspiracy theories, as The New York Times explains, stem from the belief that the “official story” is a big lie propagated to serve dark and powerful interests. Here are some examples of famous deaths based on baseless speculations or unsupported evidence that remain quite popular in some circles...

Tupak Shakur

This rapper was involved in gang rivalries and was killed in 1996. Since his murder remains unsolved, and due to some of his song lyrics, theories have emerged that Tupac is alive and hiding from his enemies.

Marilyn Monroe

Officials say that she took her own life in 1962, but her death has been the subject of speculation involving murder due to her alleged connections with the Kennedys and the dangerous revelations she was reportedly ready to make.

Princesa Diana de Gales

The tragic death of Diana in 1997 spawned various conspiracy theories, including that she was murdered by the British royal family to prevent her marriage to Dodi Al-Fayed and her supposed conversion to Islam. There were even speculations that she was pregnant with Al-Fayed's child, which would have had dire consequences for the monarchy.

Michael Jackson

Since his death in 2009, theories have suggested that Jackson is alive, escaping fame, his debts, and numerous allegations of child abuse. These theories are based on supposedly posthumous photos and videos and discrepancies in official reports.

Jim Morrison

The death of The Doors' frontman in 1971 was officially ruled as heart failure, but it is questioned due to the lack of an autopsy and the fact that his body was not seen.

Kurt Cobain

The Nirvana leader officially took his own life, but theories suggest murder due to suspicious circumstances involving his wife, Courtney Love, and questionable evidence.

Bruce Lee

The sudden death of Lee in 1973 was attributed to an allergic reaction to a painkiller, but it has fueled conspiracy theories involving murder due to disputes with individuals in the martial arts community who were upset about the popularization of martial arts in Hollywood.