B Movies Blog

Hello, Movie Mavens! Welcome back to the B Movies Blog. Today, we’re popping the Avril Lavigne conspiracy theory into the ol’ VCR.

Another week, another brand-new B Movies series! 

That’s right, friends.

I’ve been trying to figure out a way to talk about some of my favorite (low-stakes) conspiracy theories, so I thought, why not just throw a new series into the mix?

Introducing: Crazy Conspiracies, a series full of theories and rumors to help distract you from the hellscape we’re currently living in. 

And what better way to kick off this new series than with one of my personal faves—the Avril Lavigne replacement conspiracy theory! 

In 2011, a blog entitled Avril Está Morta, or Avril is Dead, was uploaded and claimed that Avril Lavigne had been replaced with Melissa Vandella, her alleged body double. 

The blog theorized that Avril couldn’t handle the new-found fame after Let Go, as well as her grandfather’s death, and tragically ended her own life. 

Now, I do want to mention that speculating someone has died by suicide is obviously not okay, and this will be the only time it’s mentioned in this piece; I’m only mentioning this detail because it’s part of the theory. 

Moving on. 

The blog claims that Avril taught Melissa her mannerisms, including her singing style, before she passed away, and Melissa fully stepped in as Avril. 

Melissa also allegedly began recording under Avril’s name from The Best Damn Thing onward, as Under My Skin was recorded before Avril’s death, which also “explains” the tonal shift in her music. 

The “evidence” to support Avril being replaced includes:

• The disintegration of the relationship between her and her best friend
• The infamous incident where “Melissa” was written on her hand during a promo photoshoot 
• The disappearance of certain birthmarks, moles, and other distinguishable characteristics 

Soon after this blog was published, the internet ran wild, as it’s wont to do. 

People began speculating that Avril was actually alive but didn’t want to live in the spotlight, going so far as to report that they saw her “buying cheese.” 

There was speculation that songs like “My Happy Ending” are derived from Melissa’s guilt for replacing Avril and are meant to be subliminal messages. 

The kicker is that the author has gone on record, stating that they made everything up to make a point about the spread of conspiracy theories. 

You can’t put the worms back in the can though, my friends. 

But that hasn’t stopped the theory from gaining popularity over the years, noting everything from alleged changes in Avril’s vocality to her appearance (which, like, leave women alone, my god). 

Avril herself has also been asked about the conspiracy theory multiple times. 

Naturally, those who believe the theory haven’t been convinced by her answers, with many saying she’s never actually denied being replaced. 

Now look, do I believe Avril Lavigne was replaced?

No. 

I think that people are allowed to change things about themselves, including their appearance. 

I also think we need to lay off women and their appearances. 

Hopefully, The Substance finally taught y’all that. 

So, what do you think, Movie Mavens?

Is Avril Lavigne actually Melissa Vandella, or is this just another crazy conspiracy?