Oscar Wilde (person)

South African scientists found evidence that Wilde died of a recurring ear infection that spread to the brain, not from meningitis caused by syphilis. Oscar died in a Paris hotel on November 30, 1900. The doctor who came to the ear infection conclusion believed "the syphilis rumour persisted because it suited the scandal and controversy of the writer's homosexuality."

Data from API Newswire, 24NOV2000.