Is Michael Jackson dying? That is the question on many of his fans' minds right now as news (gossip) spread on the web about a mysterious illness the King of Pop is currently suffering from. Searches for more news about him as well as for his mysterious disease topped the charts several hours ago and I can't help but wonder myself if it's really true. No, I'm no Michael Jackson fan but I can't help but be intrigued with this latest gossip (I was actually a fan many years ago before all the surgery, alleged child molestation cases and his whack antics).This report by TMZ the other day was what probably prompted the crazy internet searches:
Michael may be in desperate need of a lung transplant, according to Ian Halperin, author of a new M.J. bio.
Halperin claims Jacko suffers from a rare genetic disorder known as Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency, which has led to emphysema and gastrointestinal bleeding.
Halperin told In Touch Michael can barely speak and is nearly blind in his left eye.
Truth, rumor or hoax? With the crazy antics the King of Pop has been dishing out the past few years it's hard to believe something like this. Another ailment? Isn't he suffering from enough of these illnesses that are reportedly the causes of his unusual appearance and erratic behavior? And what is Alpha 1 anti trypsin deficiency? A few clicks revealed some answers (though I can't figure out some of the medical mumbo jumbo in its definition). According to Wikipedia its a "genetic disorder caused by defective production of alpha 1-antitrypsin, leading to decreased A1AT activity in the blood and lungs, and deposition of excessive abnormal A1AT protein in liver cells. There are several forms and degrees of deficiency. Severe A1A deficiency causes emphysema and/or chronic disruptive pulmonary disease (COPD) in adult life in nearly all people with the condition, as well as various liver diseases in a minority of children and adults, and occasionally more unusual problems. It is treated by avoidance of damaging inhalants, by intravenous infusions of the A1AT protein, by transplantation of the liver or lungs, and by a variety of other measures, but it usually produces some degree of disability and reduced life expectancy." So that's why there's news of a possible lung transplant.
However, all of these rumors were put to rest today by this news: Michael Jackson is not sick as officially confirmed by his reps. In fact, the King of Pop is preparing for world tour! Here's the report from eonline.com:
In response to recent comments made by celebrity conspiracy-theorist Ian Halperin, the pop icon's rep issued a statement Monday saying that "wild allegations concerning Mr. Jackson’s health are a total fabrication."
"Concerning this author'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 unauthorized ‘biography,' " Jackson spokesman Dr. Tohme Tohme said of Halperin's in-the-works bio, which claims that the Thriller artist is suffering from a genetic condition called alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency that could require a lung transplant to save him.
"Mr. Jackson is in fine health, and finalizing negotiations with a major entertainment company and television network for both a world tour and a series of specials and appearances," Tohme continued.
So there, the King of Pop is so healthy that he is embarking on his first world tour after many years of absence. He is not dying, and the only sickness he is suffering from is the one in his head. But then again, we all know about that already. (Photos below courtesy of the National Photo group)
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