Jonathan Cohen, N.Y.
Michael Jackson's spokesperson is denying a report that the artist
is ill with a serious lung disease, calling the claim "a total
fabrication."
In a recent interview with In Touch, author Ian Halperin said
Jackson, 50, is suffering from Alpha 1-antitrypsin deficiency,
which can be fatal. Halperin is the author of a forthcoming
unauthorized biography of Jackson.
"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,'" said Dr.
Tohme Tohme, described in a statement as Jackson's "official and
sole spokesperson."
"The writer's wild allegations concerning Mr. Jackson's health are
a total fabrication," Tohme added.
The statement concludes with word that Jackson is "in fine health"
and is "finalizing negotiations with a major entertainment company
and television network for both a world tour and a series of
specials and appearances."
Although the artist has been seen in public in a wheelchair this
year and often wears a mask over his nose and mouth, Jackson has
also been working on his first new album since 2001 on and off with
collaborators such as Akon and will.i.am.
