LOS ANGELES — A publicist says Johnny Depp is still very much alive after being the subject of an online hoax.

Robin Baum, who represents the 46-year-old actor, said Monday that Internet reports of Depp’s death over the weekend in France were a horrible rumor.

Baum calls the hoax the work of an irresponsible and unconscionable person, especially since children and families are involved.

Depp has two children with his partner, Vanessa Paradis.

— From wire reports