It all started innocently enough. A few weeks ago tweets like #GetWellSoonAvril and #PrayforAvril suddenly started popping up on Twitter about Avril Lavigne. The pop-rock star simply replied "thank you" to one of the tweets. That revved up the speculation mill as to what might be wrong with the Canadian singer.

Then Lavigne exchanged direct messages with a fan account, saying, "I feel bad because I haven't been able to say anything to the fans to let them no [sic] why I've been absent. I'm torn as I'm quite private...I'm not feeling well. I'm having some health issues. So please keep me in your prayers."

Wow! That message from the star put the rumors in full-tilt mode.

One of her representatives did confirm to Billboard that the Lavigne-to-fan exchange was authentic, and while the singer's health issue was not specified, it was stated that she was not pregnant, as some had assumed, reports Cambio.com.

It didn't take long for the rehab rumors to gain more traction than the pregnancy rumors had mustered. Lavigne decided to address the issue herself. She tweeted:  

The rehab RUMORS are hilarious! The only thing I'm addicted to right now is Bing Crosby. MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE! and to all a goodnight!