The family of late martial artist and actor Chuck Norris has spoken out against cruel AI-generated videos spreading online that claim to reveal the star’s cause of death.
Norris passed away last month, with his relatives confirming the news publicly via social media.
In a statement shared on March 20, the Norris’ family said: “It is with heavy hearts that our family shares the sudden passing of our beloved Chuck Norris yesterday morning. While we would like to keep the circumstances private, please know that he was surrounded by his family and was at peace.”
Despite that request for privacy, the family says misinformation has continued to circulate—particularly in the form of fabricated AI videos asserting details about how he died.
After dealing with the content for the past two weeks, the family issued a further message responding directly to the false claims.
They wrote: “We are aware that since Chuck’s passing, there have been a number of Al-generated videos and posts circulating online that contain false and misleading information regarding the circumstances of his passing, his health history, and who was present.
“These claims are entirely untrue. This includes fabricated reports of past medical issues, as well as false narratives surrounding family relationships. We kindly ask that you do not believe or share any information unless it comes directly from the Norris family or an official family representative.”
They ended their statement by adding: “Thank you for your understanding and for continuing to keep our family in your thoughts and prayers. The Norris Family.”
Norris’ death came just days after he marked his 86th birthday at his $7 million home on Kauai’s North Shore in Hawaii. He celebrated in characteristically energetic fashion, sharing a clip of himself sparring with his boxing trainer.
Leaning into the internet-famous jokes about his toughness, he wrote in the caption: “I don’t age. I level up. I’m 86 today! Nothing like some playful action on a sunny day to make you feel young.”
He continued: “I’m grateful for another year, good health and the chance to keep doing what I love. Thank you all for being the best fans in the world. Your support through the years has meant more to me than you’ll ever know.
“God Bless, Chuck Norris.”
Over decades on screen, Norris became synonymous with action-hero legend, bolstered by his extensive martial arts background, including black belts in Karate, Taekwondo, Tang Soo Do, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, and Judo. In the early internet era, that reputation helped fuel a wave of widely shared jokes that cemented his pop-culture status.
But beyond the larger-than-life persona, his family emphasized the man they knew at home—saying he wasn’t only a fighter, actor, or symbol of strength, but, in their words, ‘a devoted husband, a loving father and grandfather, an incredible brother, and the heart of our family.’
In a separate tribute, they said: “He lived his life with faith, purpose, and an unwavering commitment to the people he loved. Through his work, discipline, and kindness, he inspired millions around the world and left a lasting impact on so many lives.
“While our hearts are broken, we are deeply grateful for the life he lived and for the unforgettable moments we were blessed to share with him. The love and support he received from fans around the world meant so much to him, and our family is truly thankful for it. To him, you were not just fans, you were his friends.”
“Thank you for loving him with us.”