Earlier today, it was announced that music producer David Gest had passed away. Several celebrities and countless people have paid tribute to the legendary entertainer on social media.
Many of Gest’s fellow housemates from Celebrity Big Brother have mourned him on Twitter.
RIP David Gest…
— John Partridge (@mustbejp) April 12, 2016
https://twitter.com/Stephdavis77/status/719907800160276480
https://twitter.com/Stephdavis77/status/719908569978703872
I can't believe the news I've just received we've lost an amazing man my thoughts go out to David Gest's family I'm so lucky I had the…
— Megan McKenna (@Megan_Mckenna_) April 12, 2016
…to meet and get to know him for the short time that I did I'll always remember your funny stories I'll miss you David xxx
— Megan McKenna (@Megan_Mckenna_) April 12, 2016
So tragic to hear….David guest you will always be in my thoughts & my heart it was a pleasure knowing you! Rest in peace mate ??
— Scotty T MBE (@ScottGShore) April 12, 2016
I'm devastated to hear about my dear friend David Gest. I love and miss you mate. Heaven will be a brighter place x pic.twitter.com/A3WP70hC4v
— Darren Day (@DarrenDOfficial) April 12, 2016
Absolutely beside myself David Guest I ? you so much so so sad to hear this will never forget you X the phone calls I will miss so much RIP
— Gemma Collins (@missgemcollins) April 12, 2016
Absolutely beside myself David Guest I ? you so much so so sad to hear this will never forget you X the phone calls I will miss so much RIP
— Gemma Collins (@missgemcollins) April 12, 2016
OMG just found out my great friend @DavidGest2016 has sadly past away. My thoughts are with your family at this time. RIP David x @kymseygr1
— Christopher Maloney (@ChrisMaloney77) April 12, 2016
David Gest had to leave the Big Brother house due to being ill. During his stay, his fellow housemate, Tiffany Pollard, mistakenly thought that the producer had died. Since then, the mix-up has become an internet meme and Gest was supposed to go on tour with a group of soul singers this year, titled ‘David Gest Is Not Dead But Alive With Soul’.
Pollard has also recently released a line of T-shirts. One of them has “David is Dead” written on them. A spokesperson for Pollard has said, “Just to confirm Tiffany Pollard is not yet aware of the passing of David Gest. But as her management we have decided to remove certain T-shirts from her range. We also send all our love to David’s family at this difficult time!”
Gest was found dead in a hotel in London at the age of 62. His close friend, Imad Handi, put out a statement where he wrote, “It is with great sadness that I can confirm that David Gest has died today. David was truly larger than life. He was not just a huge talent and a dear friend but a showbiz icon. I know he will be missed by millions of fans around the world, and particularly in Britain, who came to love his charm and blistering one-liners.
“If I may steal the words of one eminent critic, David was a natural star and a genuine celebrity. I will miss him desperately.”
His death is reported to be “non-suspicious” and an autopsy will be performed to determine the cause.
Our deepest sympathies go out to David Gest’s family during this tough time.