Vandals disgrace legendary musician’s entry on website shortly after his death
Joe Otterson | April 21, 2016 @ 11:22 AM
Last Updated: April 21, 2016 @ 5:18 PM
Vandals changed the headline on Prince’s Wikipedia page to “Dead Jehovah’s Witness Negro” just hours after the singer’s death on Thursday.
The page has already been changed back to it’s original headline, but TheWrap was able to take a screengrab of the image beforehand.
While the cause of death is not known at this time, Prince’s private plane made an emergency landing at Quad City International Airport in Moline, Illinois, last Friday morning, as the singer was en route home from a concert in Atlanta.
He was rushed to a nearby hospital, had apparently been experiencing flu symptoms, which worsened during the flight. He was released from the hospital after three hours.
At his peak, only Michael Jackson and Madonna rivaled him in pop culture impact. His French Revolution-inspired attire made him a fashion icon, and his mix of sex and salvation — sometimes in the same song — made him a pop culture provocateur who was second-to-none.
In addition to his prolific music career, Prince also enjoyed a career on the screen. He famously played a version of himself in the 1984 smash hit film “Purple Rain.” The film grossed over $80 million at the box office against a $7 million budget. It also won the Academy Award for Best Original Song Score.
The accompanying album for the film sold 1.5 million copies its first week in stores and won two Grammys the year it was released. It is consistently ranked among the best rock album of all times.
He has sold in excess of 100 million records worldwide and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2004, his first year of eligibility.
#PrinceDay: A Life in Pictures, From Before 'Purple Rain' Fame to Final Appearances (Photos)
Born Prince Rogers Nelson on June 7, 1958, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Prince grew up in a musical home as both his parents were both jazz musicians.
Prince's debut solo album, "For You," was released in 1978.
Warner Bros.
Prince exuded an individual sense of style even during his early years.
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An early promotional shot of Prince
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Prince's second solo album was self-titled, released in 1979.
Warner Bros.
A promotional image, taken in the 1970s
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Prince rocked the world with "Purple Rain" in 1984 -- both the album and movie.
Warner Bros.
Prince, dressed as The Joker, performs his single “Batdance” from the 1989 “Batman” movie soundtrack.
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Prince performs at the 46th Annual Grammy Awards on Feb. 8, 2004, in Los Angeles.
Frank Micelotta/Getty Images
Beyonce Knowles and Prince perform at the 46th Annual Grammy Awards on Feb. 8, 2004, in Los Angeles.
Frank Micelotta/Getty Images
Prince and his then-wife Manuela Testolini sit in the audience at the 35th Annual NAACP Image Awards in Hollywood on March 6, 2004.
Frank Micelotta/Getty Images
Prince performs at the 10th Anniversary Essence Music Festival at the Superdome on July 2, 2004 in New Orleans, Louisiana.
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Prince speaks onstage during the 2015 American Music Awards on Nov. 22, 2015, in Los Angeles.
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Even from his earliest days, Prince was destined for musical greatness. TheWrap takes a look back at key moments from the rock icon’s life
Born Prince Rogers Nelson on June 7, 1958, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Prince grew up in a musical home as both his parents were both jazz musicians.