In today's digital age rumors tend to spread faster than a California wildfire--which was the case for a story involving Stevie Wonder.
Early Thursday morning various media outlets reported that the Grammy Award-winning icon was "utterly devastated" after his Los Angeles residence was destroyed due to the current wildfires that are ravaging in California.
Allegedly a source close to Stevie told The New York Post's Page Six that, "all of Stevie's memorabilia, photos, musical instruments, history, clothing, furniture, everything," were destroyed in the blaze.
"It's all gone," the source said. "It was his main residence and he is utterly devastated. Stevie's had to put his tour and appearances on hold while he deals with this."
However, on Thursday afternoon the 'My Cherie Amour' singer released a statement dismissing the false reports.
Stevie Wonder Pictures
Musician Stevie Wonder performs on stage in concert for the first night of his 'A Wonder Spring Night' national tour at the Burswood Dome on October 14, 2008 in Perth, Australia..Stevie Wonder Plays Perth - October 14, 2008.Burswood Dome.Perth, Australia.October 14, 2008.Photo by Matt Jelonek/WireImage.com..To license this image (55946975), contact WireImage.com
WireImage.com
Musician Stevie Wonder with Aisha Morris performs on stage in concert for the first night of his 'A Wonder Spring Night' national tour at the Burswood Dome on October 14, 2008 in Perth, Australia..Stevie Wonder Plays Perth - October 14, 2008.Burswood Dome.Perth, Australia.October 14, 2008.Photo by Matt Jelonek/WireImage.com..To license this image (55946970), contact WireImage.com
WireImage.com
Musician Stevie Wonder with Aisha Morris performs on stage in concert for the first night of his 'A Wonder Spring Night' national tour at the Burswood Dome on October 14, 2008 in Perth, Australia..Stevie Wonder Plays Perth - October 14, 2008.Burswood Dome.Perth, Australia.October 14, 2008.Photo by Matt Jelonek/WireImage.com..To license this image (55946969), contact WireImage.com
WireImage.com
Stevie Wonder performs with his daughter Aisha Morris at Ahoy on September 15, 2008 in Rotterdam, Netherlands.Stevie Wonder Performs In Rotterdam.Ahoy.Rotterdam, Netherlands.September 15, 2008.Photo by Mark Venema/WireImage.com..To license this image (55748977), contact WireImage.com
WireImage.com
Stevie Wonder performs with his daughter Aisha Morris at Ahoy on September 15, 2008 in Rotterdam, Netherlands.Stevie Wonder Performs In Rotterdam.Ahoy.Rotterdam, Netherlands.September 15, 2008.Photo by Mark Venema/WireImage.com..To license this image (55748972), contact WireImage.com
WireImage.com
Stevie Wonder performs with his daughter Aisha Morris at Ahoy on September 15, 2008 in Rotterdam, Netherlands.Stevie Wonder Performs In Rotterdam.Ahoy.Rotterdam, Netherlands.September 15, 2008.Photo by Mark Venema/WireImage.com..To license this image (55748971), contact WireImage.com
WireImage.com
Stevie Wonder performs at Ahoy on September 15, 2008 in Rotterdam, Netherlands.Stevie Wonder Performs In Rotterdam.Ahoy.Rotterdam, Netherlands.September 15, 2008.Photo by Mark Venema/WireImage.com..To license this image (55748968), contact WireImage.com
WireImage.com
Stevie Wonder performs at Ahoy on September 15, 2008 in Rotterdam, Netherlands.Stevie Wonder Performs In Rotterdam.Ahoy.Rotterdam, Netherlands.September 15, 2008.Photo by Mark Venema/WireImage.com..To license this image (55748967), contact WireImage.com
WireImage.com
Stevie Wonder performs at Ahoy on September 15, 2008 in Rotterdam, Netherlands.Stevie Wonder Performs In Rotterdam.Ahoy.Rotterdam, Netherlands.September 15, 2008.Photo by Mark Venema/WireImage.com..To license this image (55748966), contact WireImage.com
WireImage.com
Stevie Wonder performs at Ahoy on September 15, 2008 in Rotterdam, Netherlands.Stevie Wonder Performs In Rotterdam.Ahoy.Rotterdam, Netherlands.September 15, 2008.Photo by Mark Venema/WireImage.com..To license this image (55748963), contact WireImage.com
WireImage.com
"I'm grateful to say that my house was not burned down in the fire," he said. "I extend my sympathies to anyone who may have been touched by this horrendous event."
There's a ribbon in the sky after all.
According to Reuters, a spokeswoman for Wonder said the singer does not own a home in the immediate area hit by the fire, although he does reside in the San Fernando Valley.
Earlier this week Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger declared a state of emergency for Los Angeles and Ventura counties following the sudden outbreak of blazes across the region.
Currently the 58-year-old soul legend is in Australia on tour.
Comments: (25)
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By: Gill Miles on 10/17/2008 8:27AM
First let me start by saying that I wish all of those that have been effected by the fire " good Luck and may god bless you " With this economy going as bad as it is, to have to start all over after a devasting fire, is a bit more than any person should have to stand.
Always try to remember one thing. God will only give you as much as he feels that you can personally handle.
Thanks,
BigDaddyGill
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By: GARY on 10/17/2008 11:48AM
The fact is if you came out ALIVE you have done well then you should give all thanks to GOD for the BLESSING that was bestowed on you.
GARY
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By: mzztlove on 10/17/2008 11:51AM
THANK GOD FOR WONDERS SUCH AS STEVIE... AND RUMORS ARE JUST THAT.. TIL THE FACTS ARE KNOWN PEOPLE SHOULD TAKE RUMORS WITH A GRAIN OF SALT... NO RUMOR.. GOD CAN'T DISMISS WITH FACTS!!!!
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By: Zet26 on 10/17/2008 12:07PM
My prayers and good wishes to all those affected by the wild fires.
I'm so glad it was just a rumor about Stevie losing so much.
How can they just pick 5 songs? Stevie has so many wonderful hits.
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By: doc on 10/17/2008 12:53PM
MY PRAYERS ARE WITH THOSE WHO ARE AFFECTED BY THE FIRES STAY STRONG AND KEEP THE FAITH
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By: F. Moore on 10/17/2008 3:15PM
How does he know?..He can't even see!
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By: Demiaus on 10/17/2008 3:56PM
First, to F.Moore. That was really mean spirit and highly uncalled for, GROW-UP! People such as yourself who find someone's disability something to make fun of should fall from the earth without a trace.
I pray all of the people who've lost thier homes can rebuild and move forward,you can rebuild a house but can't get another life so, in the mist of this sorrow, thank God that you have your life which is worth far more than a building that can be replaced.
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By: Demiaus on 10/17/2008 3:56PM
First, to F.Moore. That was really mean spirit and highly uncalled for, GROW-UP! People such as yourself who find someone's disability something to make fun of should fall from the earth without a trace.
I pray all of the people who've lost thier homes can rebuild and move forward,you can rebuild a house but can't get another life so, in the mist of this sorrow, thank God that you have your life which is worth far more than a building that can be replaced.
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By: CeCe on 10/17/2008 10:15PM
F. Moore, there are people with vision and still can't see. For instance, YOU. Because he's lacking in one sense, make the other senses stronger. That's why God is awesome.
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By: ATLfnst on 10/17/2008 5:59PM
#6 F.Moore, u r a dumb A** idiot, end of story!!
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