Grayson West
Stories of mystery and speculation often trail the FBI, especially when it comes to the deaths of famous figures. Activists, cultural icons, and influential leaders have all become part of these narratives. The whispers of hidden agendas still spark debate today. Here are 10 famous deaths tied to alleged FBI involvement.
Marilyn Monroe
Marilyn Monroe remained under FBI watch due to relationships with Arthur Miller and alleged links to President Kennedy. Authorities in 1962 ruled her death a likely suicide, with no evidence directly connecting it to the FBI. Speculation persisted in popular culture, yet Norman Mailerâs dramatic theories were eventually dismissed.
Jean Seberg
The FBIâs secret COINTELPRO program went after her because she supported activists like the Black Panthers. Although Jean Sebergâs 1979 passing was officially ruled a suicide, false stories planted by the agency in the media caused her severe distress before she died, eventually shifting public opinion.
Janis Joplin
No public FBI file on Janis Joplin exists, but her activism and counterculture presence likely drew federal interest. She died in 1970, officially ruled an accidental drug overdose. Conspiracy theories alleging FBI tiesâoften compared to those surrounding Jimi Hendrix, who also died that yearâpersist, though investigations uncovered no credible evidence of involvement.
Tupac Shakur
The FBI kept Tupac under watch for his links to politically active groups, even opening a file while he was alive. His 1996 murder eventually led to Duane âKeffe Dâ Davis being charged with first-degree murder in 2023. That trial awaits 2026, with FBI involvement claims lacking credible evidence.
John Lennon
His political voice and cultural influence made him a person of interest to federal authorities. The FBI monitored John Lennon because he spoke out against the government and knew a few radical groups. While he was murdered in 1980, no one has ever found proof that the government had a link to his death.
Malcolm X
The FBIâs COINTELPRO actively spied on Malcolm X and tried to cause problems for his activism before he was killed in 1965. His death was carried out by members of a rival group, but his family eventually took legal action against the agency, accusing it of being tied to the plot.
Martin Luther King Jr.
The Bureau kept Martin Luther King Jr. under close watch and even tried to ruin his reputation with smear campaigns in the 1960s. King was ultimately assassinated by James Earl Ray, but to this day, some people still question whether the FBI had a role, despite the official report.
Fred Hampton
Hamptonâs growing leadership in the Black Panther Party made him a target of federal scrutiny. The FBI gave key information to the police that led to a 1969 raid, which resulted in Fred Hamptonâs death. Later court rulings confirmed that the federal agency was involved in the deadly raid and proved those long-held claims true.
Lisa âLeft Eyeâ Lopes
During the FBIâs broad watch over hip-hop in the 1990s, Lopes attracted notice for her activism and public stance on social issues. Lisa âLeft Eyeâ Lopes’ death in 2002 was ruled a car accident, even though many believe she was being watched, with speculation continuing to this day on social media platforms.
Kurt Cobain
Kurt Cobainâs 1994 death was officially ruled a suicide, according to the FBIâs records. While no confirmed file on him exists, fans believed he was monitored for his activism, fueling many conspiracy theories. The Bureau did not find any proof of foul play and closed the investigation.