Avril Lavigne has addressed the “funny” and “dumb” conspiracy theory that has followed her career for the better part of two decades – see what the singer had to say below.

READ MORE: Avril Lavigne – ‘Love Sux’ review: a modern update on early ’00s pop-punk

In the early 2000s, a conspiracy theory took the internet by storm, suggesting that Avril Lavigne had died in 2003 and was replaced by a body double named Melissa. That theory – which is believed to have originated from a Brazilian fansite – has since remained a popular talking point in the pop-punk singer’s career.

Now, Lavigne has spoken about the conspiracy theory during a recent appearance on the Call Her Daddy podcast with Alex Cooper. When asked about the craziest rumour she’s heard about herself, Avril Lavigne referenced the body double conspiracy.

“I mean, it’s just funny to me. Like, on one end, everyone’s like, ‘You look the exact same. You haven’t aged a day.’ But then other people are like, there’s a conspiracy theory that I’m not me. Honestly, it’s not that bad. It could be worse, right? I kind of feel like I got a good one. I don’t think it’s negative or anything creepy. We’re good.”

“Obviously I am me, it’s so dumb,” Lavigne continued, before adding: “I think that they’ve done that with other artists. I’m not the only one. I think, like, other people have that.”

Alex Cooper then jokingly added: “I’m telling you what’s crazy is you haven’t aged. I’m staring at you. And, like, I’m picturing you with your auburn hair. And I’m like, oh my God. You literally look the same from when you were younger.”

The ‘Sk8er Boi’ singer’s latest album, ‘Love Sux‘, came out in February of 2022, described by NME in a three-star review as “a modern update on early ’00s pop-punk”. It added: “‘Love Sux’ is a progressive pop-punk album that eschews the old rules – but not at the expense of maximalist, joyful guitar anthems.”

Lavigne is next due to release a greatest hits album on June 21, just days before she makes her Glastonbury debut. Comprised of 20 songs, the LP will span the entirety of Lavigne’s music career. This includes fan favourites including ‘Complicated’ and ‘Sk8er Boi’. Both are taken from her chart-topping 2002 debut album ‘Let Go’. You can pre-order the album here.

The post Avril Lavigne addresses body double conspiracy theory: “It’s so dumb” appeared first on NME.