If you thought 2023 was wild, buckle up because 2024 came through with even more “What the Hell?” moments, leaving us all questioning the reality we’re living in. From royal conspiracies to pop culture shockers, this year served up an assortment of weird events that had us glued to our screens.
Here are the top 10 most bizarre things that happened this year, each one more mind-boggling than the last.
1. Kate Middleton’s Mysterious Disappearance
In March, the world went into a frenzy when rumours of Kate Middleton’s sudden disappearance flooded social media. While it turned out to be a health issue that kept her from her public duties, the internet had a field day with wild theories. Of course, it’s not every day the Duchess of Cambridge becomes the subject of a mystery thriller. Of course, Netizens carefully investigated her Instagram profile for clues.
2. P Diddy’s March Drama that Shook the Internet
When P Diddy’s name popped up in March, no one expected it to be anything less than scandalous. The American rapper found himself at the centre of a massive controversy after the FBI raided his home. The raids were part of an ongoing investigation into serious allegations against him, including sex trafficking, abuse, and other misconduct. The details were murky, but it was enough to get the internet talking. And meme-ing!
3. Joe Biden Freezes During White House Celebration in June
In June, during a Juneteenth celebration at the White House, President Joe Biden sparked widespread concern, and a healthy dose of memes, after he appeared to freeze mid-event. Biden stood completely still for almost 20 seconds, despite the lively performance around him. This moment went viral. Many speculated about his health, especially considering Biden’s age. He was 81 at the time. What an age to be the President, am I right?
4. ‘Brat’ Summer Takes Over the Internet
On June 7th, “Brat” Summer dropped, and the internet collectively lost its mind. The song, with its playful yet edgy lyrics and quirky beat, immediately took over TikTok, Instagram, and every other social media site. The song became an anthem for Gen Z, defining summer trends and inspiring memes, dances, and everything in between. In the world of pop culture, nothing screamed “2024” quite like this era.
5. Trump Dodges an Assassination Attempt
On July 13, things got real when Donald Trump was almost taken out at a rally in Pennsylvania. A man named Thomas Matthew Crooks fired a shot from a rooftop, grazing Trump’s ear before Secret Service agents quickly rushed him offstage.
6. WHO Declares Monkeypox Surge a ‘Public Health Emergency’
In August, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the 2024 surge in monkeypox cases a “Public Health Emergency of International Concern.” I don’t know about you, but I’m sick and tired of these health emergencies popping up every year.
7. Yusuf Dikeç’s “Zero-Effort” Olympic Moment
At the 2024 Paris Olympics in August, Turkish shooter Yusuf Dikeç went viral for his relaxed, zero-effort attitude during his events. Netizens couldn’t get enough of his vibe, turning him into an internet sensation. If you saw me laughing at the memes, no you didn’t!
8. Hurricane Milton
Hurricane Milton made headlines on October 9th, not just for its strength but for how the media covered it like a movie trailer. For everyone who lived through it and those keeping tabs online, it was a reminder that Mother Nature can be seriously unforgiving.
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9. Liam Payne’s Untimely Death Shocks Fans
In October, the sudden death of Liam Payne shocked the world, leaving One Direction fans devastated. The pop star passed away unexpectedly on October 8th, and the news sent an emotional wave across social media, with tributes pouring in from fans and celebs. But the real tearjerker moment came on November 20th when the remaining members of One Direction reunited for his funeral. Fans couldn’t handle the heavy feelings of seeing the band back together in such heartbreaking circumstances.
10. UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson Shot and Killed
In one of the most shocking moments of 2024, the CEO of UnitedHealthcare Brian Thompson was shot and killed in New York City, in December. As the news spread, many on social media were more captivated by the bizarre response of internet users who appeared to fawn over the alleged shooter. This raised uncomfortable questions about empathy and the “eat the rich” mentality that seems to be emerging in the growing discontent toward powerful figures today.
There you have it, 2024 in a nutshell. A year that kept us on the edge of our seats, questioning what we thought we knew about the world around us. From bizarre moments in politics to pop culture shocks, we’ll be talking about this one for a long time.
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