Avril Lavigne is setting the record straight on the long-standing “Melissa Vandella” conspiracy theory that has circulated for years.
Avril Lavigne Addresses “Melissa” Conspiracy Theory on Call Her Daddy Podcast
During her appearance on the “Call Her Daddy” podcast on Wednesday, May 15, the 39-year-old singer addressed the theory with a mix of amusement and disbelief.
“It’s just funny to me,” Lavigne admitted. “On one end, everyone’s like, ‘Oh, my God, you look the exact same. You haven’t aged a day.’ But then, other people are like, you know, there’s a conspiracy theory that I’m not me.”
Both Lavigne and podcast host Alex Cooper couldn’t help but laugh while discussing the ongoing theory.
Avril Lavigne Reflects on Absurdity of Being Called a Clone: “It’s So Dumb”
“Honestly, it’s not that bad. It could be worse, right?” Lavigne commented. “I feel like I got a good one. I don’t think it’s, like, negative or anything, like, creepy.” She acknowledged, “Obviously, I am me, it’s so dumb.”
The conspiracy theory dates back to the early 2000s on internet forums, speculating that Lavigne died in 2003 after her debut album, Let Go, and was replaced by a body double named Melissa.
In 2017, the theory gained traction again when a thread on X resurfaced, detailing supposed signs that Lavigne was replaced. This included alleged changes in her appearance over the years and a 2004 photo shoot where the name “Melissa” was seen written on her hand.
While this recent podcast appearance isn’t the first time Lavigne has addressed the conspiracy theory, she first discussed it in 2014 during an interview on a Brazilian TV show, admitting she hadn’t heard about it before.
Throughout her career, Lavigne has dismissed the rumors in various interviews. However, she began to question the validity of the theory in a 2022 profile for Galore Magazine.
“Doesn’t everyone constantly say that I literally look the same as I always have?” she pondered. “It’s funny because everyone says I look the same, but then there’s that. That doesn’t make any sense. Also, how random? When people bring it up — and it’s been brought up to me for, like, years — that there’s this conspiracy theory that I’m not me or something? I’m a clone? … I don’t know, it’s just the weirdest rumor.”
Avril Lavigne’s candid responses continue to highlight the absurdity of the “Melissa” conspiracy theory, emphasizing that she remains true to herself despite the outlandish claims.
