Key Takeaways
- Dan Hentschel built his online fame through elaborate viral hoaxes and pranks, including convincing media outlets of fake trends and fabricated stories.
- His content took a controversial turn when he posted a video about being “almost a school shooter” at his former high school, leading to legal troubles and trespassing charges.
- Most recently, Hentschel posted a concerning su*cide message on social media, leaving followers uncertain whether it was another hoax or a genuine cry for help given his history of publicity stunts.
Dan Hentschel, a popular satirical content creator, has once again found himself at the center of controversy.
Known for his elaborate pranks, dark humor, and viral hoaxes, Hentschel has made headlines in the past by tricking audiences—and even major news outlets—into believing his parody stories.
However, recent events have raised serious concerns about his online behavior and mental health.
Dan Hentschel’s Viral Hoaxes And Satirical Content
Hentschel rose to prominence through his unique blend of social experiments, satire, and staged stunts.
Over the years, he has orchestrated multiple viral pranks that led news organizations to report fabricated stories as real.
In 2022, he convinced media outlets that “quiet quitting” a relationship was a real psychological trend.
Similarly, in 2023, he fooled thousands into believing he had poisoned his girlfriend with salt and bacon grease, going as far as creating fake mugshots and news articles to support the narrative.
In August 2024, Hentschel claimed to have driven across the United States with his GPS route to spell out “Will You Marry Me”—only to later claim that his girlfriend broke up with him at the end of the trip.
The stunt caught media attention again, demonstrating his ability to blur the line between reality and fiction.
Legal Trouble And School Threat Controversy
However, in January 2025, Hentschel’s antics took a darker turn.
He posted a video standing on the campus of The John Carroll School, his former high school, claiming that he was “almost a school shooter” in 2013.
He described past thoughts of carrying out an attack during a homecoming game, alarming school administrators and law enforcement.
Authorities in Bel Air, Maryland, launched an investigation, with police labeling the video as “disturbing.”
While officials assured the public that Hentschel had no known access to firearms, he was charged with trespassing, and prosecutors are reportedly considering additional charges.
The incident marked a shift from his typical satire, with many questioning whether he had finally crossed the line.
Suicidal Social Media Post Raises Alarm
Most recently, in February 2025, Hentschel sparked further concern when he posted a cryptic message on X (formerly Twitter), stating,
“I have decided to end my own life. Thanks – Dan Hentschel.”
Via X
The post quickly gained thousands of likes, with thousands of fans and followers expressing worry.
— Dan Hentschel (@danghentschel) February 15, 2025
Some social media users took the post seriously, urging authorities to check on his well-being, while others dismissed it as another one of his infamous hoaxes.
Given Hentschel’s history of publicity stunts, skepticism was widespread. However, at the time of reporting, he had not been active online for over 2 days, fueling further speculation.
