Michael Jackson's Reps Deny Illness Reports
Dec. 23 2008, Published 8:35 a.m. ET
Once again, Michael Jackson finds himself in the eye of a rumor hurricane after recent tabloid reports that the pop star is the victim of a rare respiratory disease and that he requires a lung transplant.
But not so fast — a doctor from the King of Pop's camp released a statement Monday night denying the reports that he's suffering from Alpha 1-antitrypsin deficiency and calling them a "total fabrication."
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The statement, purportedly written by a Dr. Tohme Tohme, who is referred to as Jacko's "official and sole spokesperson" takes issues with the recent claims of
writer Ian Halperin that the oddball pop star suffers from emphysema and internal bleeding, and has lost 95 percent of the vision in his left eye.
Reads the statement: "Concerning Halperin's allegations, we would hope in the future that legitimate media will not continue to be exploited by such an obvious attempt to promote this unauthorised 'biography... The writer's wild allegations concerning Mr. Jackson's health are a total fabrication. Mr. Jackson is in fine health and finalising negotiations with a major entertainment company and television network for both a world tour and a series of specials and appearances."