Have you ever been around a friend but could tell something was different? Did you wonder if it was their haircut? Or maybe they’re tanner? What if they were a clone. Many believe this is what happened to the famous artist, Avril Lavigne. This isn’t the first time this theory has circulated around a celebrity. The same speculation circulated Megan Fox when fans noticed she looked extremely different. People began posting on Reddit forums pictures of her and comparing noticeable differences. Many believe it’s plastic surgery while skeptics believe she’s a clone made by the government to distract the public when major conflicts happen. Avril Lavigne is no stranger to this speculation since last year a rumor resurfaced that in 2003 she was replaced with a lookalike named Melissa.
Back in 2012, the theory began in a Portuguese blog that believed Avril Lavigne had died. The blog said that at the beginning of Lavigne’s career she was a struggling artist. During this time she began using a body double named Melissa so can perform for her if need be. Before she became a big star, the real Avril Lavigne died, some even speculate that she died when she was eighteen. The alleged cause of her death was the death of her grandfather who she was close with. The recording company replaced her with Melissa and continued acting as though the real Avril Lavigne was alive. This theory lead readers of the blog to analyzing pictures of Lavigne before and after her alleged time of death.
While analyzing the pictures people noticed that she changed her style and appearance drastically. To begin with, they noticed that the real Lavigne had more freckles than Melissa, specifically on her arm. Viewers also noticed that Lavigne’s style was more tomboy than Melissa. Lavigne was known for wearing cargo pants and tee shirts to award shows and popular press events. However, after her “death” Melissa changed Lavigne’s style to fit hers which was more towards dresses and skirts.
Readers also noticed a change in her lyrics that hinted to her death. In her song ‘Slipped Away’ there are lyrics that point to her death. “She wants to go home, but nobody’s home. It’s where she lies, broken inside. With no place to go, no place to go to dry her eyes. Broken inside […] She’s fallen behind. She can’t find her place. She’s losing her faith. She’s fallen from grace. She’s all over the place.” Theorist believe that the recording company produced this song because they felt bad for not acknowledging her death and did this in memory of her.
Overall, I don’t really believe in this theory because it relies to heavily on the fact that she looks different over a period of time. Over time, everyone looks different and styles change, even with celebrities. However, I do understand why people believe this and their support for it. Sometimes change is difficult for people to understand. Finding reasons behind those changes, no matter how absurd, helps many cope with the confusion and stress that comes with change.