Don't Believe The Hype: Corn Kid Is Doing Great!

"Corn Kid" wants to set the record straight about a disturbing Internet hoax circulating. In a recent TikTok Story on his official page, he explains that the rumors are untrue.

In late September, a fake article claiming the 7-year-old viral sensation was found dead began circulating the net, but by the time the article was found to be fake, the hoax was already running in circles. Tariq's parents, who run his official TikTok account, immediately announced that the child is "alive, healthy, and happy."

In addition to the death hoax, the family has also dealt with another issue that they explained in a TikTok video captioned, "Hey everyone! Important news!! THIS IS NOT MY ACCOUNT! This is someone impersonating me. I DO NOT have merch (yet). Please don’t support this person. If you have purchased already please get your money back. I how you guys have a corntastic day ?"

Shortly after the video was posted, the fake account disappeared according to comments. "It's already gone ?," "I can’t find it," and "It looks like they’re gone!" confirmed that the account was in fact taken down. Many other commenters asked for TikTok to verify Tariq's official account so things like this won't happen again in the future.

Rising to fame at such a young age can bring challenges, and TikTok star Mason Ramsey, also known as the "yodel kid," knows this firsthand. He posted some advice for Tariq about handling the sudden attention.

The video, viewed more 9.6 million times, had tons of encouraging words amongst the nearly 4,500 comments. The Denver Nuggets chimed in with, "The duo we needed." Microsoft Education wrote, "The student becomes the teacher ?." QVC added, "Kings! ??," and Chips Ahoy posted, "supportive king."

"I was JUST saying this morning how your situations were so similar. Good luck guys! We are rooting for you both!"

"kings supporting kings ??"

"this is too pure for the internet. ❤️"

"The passing of the baton. Legendary ?"

"The most wholesome TikTok of the year ?‼️"

"Memes supporting memes ?"

Since Tariq's video with "Recess Therapy" went viral over the summer, he's had quite the adventure. His original interview video was turned into a song that took over TikTok for weeks. He also became the "Corn-Bassador" of South Dakota, filmed a video with MrBeast when the new MrBeast Burger opened in American Dream, was a guest on "The Drew Barrymore Show," walked the red carpet at the "Pinocchio" premier, visited the Empire State Building with the "Recess Therapy" crew, and got a $5,000 shopping spree at famed toy store F.A.O. Schwarz.  Artist Matt Chessco recently surprised Tariq with a special painting just for him.