Robby Robinson Shuts Down Death Hoax, Confirms He’s Alive and Still Training
Viral Rumors Sent the Bodybuilding World Into a Frenzy, But “The Black Prince” Remains Unstoppable
On March 14, the bodybuilding community was rocked by shocking and unfounded reports claiming that legendary Golden Era competitor Robby Robinson, famously known as “The Black Prince,” had passed away at 78. The false news spread like wildfire after a social media post by Rick Valente, a respected industry veteran and longtime training partner of Robinson.
Fans, athletes, and fitness icons immediately flooded the internet with heartfelt tributes, mourning what they believed was the loss of a true iron warrior. However, it soon became clear that the reports were completely baseless.
IFBB Hall of Famer Shawn Ray, who initially posted a tribute of his own, later deleted his message and confirmed that Robinson was alive and in excellent health. But the final word came directly from Robinson himself.
Robby Robinson Responds to the Death Hoax
After witnessing the social media chaos surrounding his supposed passing, Robinson took to his own platforms to set the record straight.
Ironically, he was mid-workout when informed of the viral hoax—further proving that “The Black Prince” is still an unstoppable force in the gym, defying age with his unwavering commitment to training.
“TO ALL MY FANS FOLLOWERS. IT WAS PAINFUL to find out about my DEATH. I had just finished my Chest/Back workout when I was notified that I had passed away. I received hundreds of calls and messages from all over the world. I was unable to answer all the messages and telephone calls. But I want to say thank you to all for your condolences, love, heart-touching messages… I AM ALIVE and feel Blessed.”
How the Misinformation Spread
The false reports originated from a now-deleted Instagram post by Rick Valente, which many misinterpreted as confirmation of Robinson’s passing. Without official verification, the rumor gained traction at an alarming rate, prompting an outpouring of tributes across social media.
Shawn Ray’s subsequent correction helped dispel the misinformation, but even after his update, confusion lingered. It wasn’t until Robinson personally addressed the situation that the dust finally settled.
Robby is Alive!!! Thank God 🙏🏽❤️ why Wikipedia posted that he had passed, I will never understand why. I was heartbroken and I’m sorry so many people were heartbroken 💔 Robby is Alive 🙏🏽👏🏼👊
A Living Legend’s Ongoing Legacy
Despite the bizarre ordeal, Robinson’s impact on bodybuilding remains undeniable. A former Masters Olympia champion and one of the iconic figures featured in Pumping Iron, he continues to be a source of inspiration for generations of lifters.
Even at 78, Robinson maintains an elite physique, showcasing timeless conditioning that rivals athletes decades younger. He actively collaborates with top-tier fitness personalities like Mike O’Hearn, sharing invaluable knowledge forged through decades in the trenches of hardcore bodybuilding.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of how swiftly misinformation can spread in the digital age and why verifying sources is crucial before jumping to conclusions.
Fortunately, Robby Robinson is very much alive, thriving, and still dominating the weight room with the same tenacity that defined his storied career. If anything, this bizarre situation underscores the importance of celebrating legends while they’re still here to appreciate it.
