Robin Williams' daughter forced to deny 'BS' claim about her dad on 10th anniversary of his death

Warning: This article contains discussion of suicide which some readers may find distressing.

Robin Williams' daughter has taken to social media to deny a 'BS' claim about her father 10 years after his death.

The actor and comedian, known for his roles in films such as Dead Poets Society, Good Will Hunting, Night at the Museum and Mrs Doubtfire, died by suicide 10 years ago yesterday (11 August), aged 63.

In the years following his passing, the star's children have made sure to keep the memory of their father alive, as well as clarifying any misconceptions about Williams online.

A post recently went viral on social media platform X featuring a photograph of Williams with a monkey on his shoulder as part of a series called 'final images of historic figures'.

"Robin Williams: One of the last photos of a gem of a man, with his pet monkey," the post wrote.

It soon caught the attention of Zelda, 35, who wasted no time in calling out the original post as fake and 'BS'.

"It’s been brought to my attention some probably AI written BS like this is going viral," she wrote in a quote-tweet, adding that her father had never owned a monkey.

"Dad didn’t own a pet monkey, NO ONE should, and if you’re ever tempted to, support your local exotic animal rescues instead," she continued.

"That is his Night at the Museum costar, who now lives at one."

Williams had played the role of former US President Theodore Roosevelt in three of the Night at the Museum films.

It’s been brought to my attention some probably AI written BS like this is going viral. Dad didn’t own a pet monkey, NO ONE should, and if you’re ever tempted to, support your local exotic animal rescues instead. That is his Night at the Museum costar, who now lives at one. https://t.co/VmYHD8dE34

— Zelda Williams (@zeldawilliams) August 11, 2024

The monkey - who is called Crystal and has also starred in the likes of The Hangover Part II and We Bought a Zoo - starred as Dexter in the franchise.

Zelda wasn't the only person who was disappointed to see that the original post had gained so much traction, with one person writing: "Weird that this type of thread would NOT have flown 1.5 years ago."

A second added: "I really wish they would just leave your father alone and let you rest. You don't deserve to have the stress of having to defend his legacy. Wishing you and your family the best."

X has since added a disclaimer to the bottom of the original tweet to say that it is fake.

For fans wishing to honour the later actor and his legacy, Zelda revealed last year that they could do this by volunteering at their local homeless shelter - something which her father had been particularly passionate about.

Meanwhile his son Zachary, 41, recently shared a tribute on what would've been the actor's 73rd birthday, writing: "Dad, on what would be your 73rd birthday, I remember you for all the hope and joy you brought to the world.

"There’s not a week that goes by without someone sharing with me how you helped them through a dark time or a rough patch.

"I’m so grateful and proud to be your son. Love you forever."

If you’ve been affected by any of these issues and want to speak to someone in confidence, please don’t suffer alone. Call Samaritans for free on their anonymous 24-hour phone line on 116 123.