Joe Jackson shuts down death rumours

Michael and Janet Jackson’s father Joe has shot down rumours that he is perilously ill and had died, after he was hospitalised in Los Angeles last week because of a high fever. Joe tweeted on Thursday, “I am 100% Alive,” and added in a post on his website, “The rumours of my death have been greatly exaggerated. Please ignore all the stupid false rumours from people who seem to find humour in such topics.”

His other son Jermaine had said on Wednesday, “My father is doing much better... All of his vital signs are great and we’re very happy. He’s just tired. He’s 87. We’re just trying to hold onto him as much as we can.”