Update!

Michael Jackson Prepping for World Tour, Not Lung Transplant

Rep denies author's allegation that Jacko has a life-threatening lung ailment, says world tour and TV special are on the horizon

By Natalie Finn Dec 23, 2008 5:03 AMTags
Michael JacksonODuran/Fame Pictures

Michael Jackson is not only not suffering from a life-threatening lung ailment, he's so healthy he's planning a world tour!

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.

Well, that would be news then, wouldn't it?

Jackson said something along those lines in October when he put the kibosh on rumors—started by his own brothers—that the original Jackson 5 would be teaming up for a "Hey, look at us!" tour.

"I am now in the studio developing new and exciting projects that I look forward to sharing with my fans in concert soon," Jacko said at the time.

We're sure the loyal fans who have stuck with him—through good times and bad, trials and errors, wheelchair rides and face masks, flops and Thriller reissues—can hardly wait.

(Originally published Dec. 22, 2008 at 4:54 p.m. PT.)