Gilbert Gottfried’s Twitter account ‘HACKED and deleted’ just hours after his shocking death from ‘long secret illness’

GILBERT Gottfried’s Twitter account was hacked and deleted hours after his family confirmed his unexpected death.

According to a statement from his family, the actor had privately struggled with an illness before his death.

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On Tuesday, just hours after the Aladdin star’s family tweeted about his death, a series of shocking messages hit his account.

Apparently the tweets were posted by a hacker who took the opportunity to promote his own Twitter profile.

The tweets appear to have since been deleted and the account is back under the control of the late comic’s family.

The announcement of his death shared this afternoon is still visible on the account.

Before the Twitter account was hacked, Gilbert’s family shared a Photo of the actor stretches out his hands and smiles.

A message in the photo revealed: “We are heartbroken to announce the passing of our beloved Gilbert Gottfried after a long illness.

“In addition to being the most iconic voice in comedy, Gilbert was a wonderful husband, brother, friend and father to his two young children.”

The tweet concluded, “Although today is a sad day for all of us, please laugh as loud as you can in Gilbert’s honor.”

That’s hardly the only controversy that has arisen after Gilbert’s death.

BREAK THE NEWS

Just before Gilbert’s family confirmed his death, Seinfeld star Jason Alexander tweeted some sad news about the star.

His tweet left many shocked as they just found out about the death at the time.

Jason wrote, “Gilbert Gottfried sometimes made me laugh when laughter didn’t come easily.

“What a gift. I didn’t know him well, but I loved what he shared with me.”

His message ended, “My best wishes and condolences to his family.”

One user replied: “Oh no. He died.”

Another wrote: “Is this true??????”

Noting the close slap Jason had given Gilbert’s family, a third wrote: “Holy shit 14 minutes before the official tweet.”

Several users linked to a tweet from the prolific voice actor’s account, shared shortly after Jason’s memorial service.

Many of these posts were shared in response to fans who took Jason’s tweet as a joke.

One such commenter tweeted: “No one else is reporting this Jason. Has that been confirmed?”

Another wrote: “Joke? Is Jason Alexander the first to report this breaking news or is he publicly joking with Gilbert Gottfried?”

Some fans suggested it was “not his place” to share the news in front of the late comedian’s family.

NEWS FROM FANS

Following the heartbreaking tweet on Gilbert’s account, fans flocked to the social media platform to express their sadness.

“RIP into an icon,” wrote one.

Others shared a photo of Gilbert, Bob Saget and Louie Anderson, who all recently passed away.

Another fan wrote: “I don’t think many people realized how brilliant these guys were. RIP.”

A third tweeted: “I think heaven wants to put on one hell of a show.”

Glenn Schwartz, Gilbert’s longtime publicist, told PEOPLE in an official statement, “Beloved and legendary comedian Gilbert Gottfried died on April 12, 2022 at 2:35 p.m. ET of recurrent ventricular tachycardia due to myotonic dystrophy type II.”

CONCERNING

While Gilbert’s death came as a shock to fans, some saw his recent social media posts as signs that he was not doing well.

One of his more recent video posts shows his “frail” frame.

The star has continued touring and has had an active social media presence, although his recent posts have sparked concern for his well-being, according to some fans.

Despite his always upbeat attitude — and his comedy podcast he recorded well into 2022 called Gilbert Gottfried’s Amazing Colossal Podcast — his off-camera appearance has undoubtedly changed.

“It’s Valentine’s Day again, so why don’t you send a personalized greeting from me, Gilbert Gottfried,” he explained in a front-facing video on Instagram on Feb. 1 wearing a plaid shirt.

Although one fan commented, “My favorite comedian!” Another wrote, “Gave me a spook.”

Fans were also concerned about his posts being shared around the same time.

He was seen in a blue shirt in the photo and many were confused by the sanitized looking place.

“This is slightly worrying,” wrote one.

“Are you wearing a hospital gown?” asked a second.

“See you in Toronto?” For my sake stay alive ok,” joked a third — albeit in a style the seminal comic might have smiled at.

Taking a March 12 Instagram of Gilbert with a colleague, one user wrote: “You look a little skinny mate. Are you all right?”

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