Pop-punk icon Avril Lavigne has finally spoken out about the infamous conspiracy theory that has followed her for nearly two decades — the claim that she died and was secretly replaced by a lookalike named Melissa.

Appearing on a recent podcast, the “Complicated” singer was asked point-blank what she thinks about the bizarre rumor. Rather than bristling at the suggestion, Avril laughed it off, saying she doesn’t find it all that bad. In fact, she called it “a good one” compared to the stranger, darker conspiracy theories she could have been the subject of.

When pressed about where it all began, Avril guessed the rumor probably started circulating around the time she released her second album. She also pointed out that she’s not alone — other major artists have dealt with similar far-fetched fan theories.
The podcast host described Avril’s conspiracy as “iconic” before joking that she herself might have been the one who started it. Avril responded with a smile, clearly unfazed by the enduring internet myth that has fascinated fans for years.