Michael Jackson is said to be suffering from a deadly lung condition and must receive an emergency transplant operation as his publicist and his brother refuse to deny the reports.
But the 50-year-old king of pop is presently too weak to undergo the potentially life-saving surgery, according to gossip publications In Touch Weekly and UK Express.
The reports quote respected journalist Ian Halperin who says Jackson is suffering from Alpha 1-antitrypsin deficiency, a genetic disorder that can be fatal in some cases.
Jackson's condition is reportedly so bad he has lost 95 percent of vision in one eye and is even struggling to speak.
"He also has emphysema and chronic gastrointestinal bleeding, which his doctors have had a lot of trouble stopping," Halperin said.
"It's the bleeding that's the most problematic part — it could kill him."
Jackson was reportedly diagnosed with Alpha 1-antitrypsin deficiency years ago but his condition has degenerated recently, bringing on the emphysema — a condition usually seen in heavy smokers.
Jackson made headlines earlier this year when he was snapped in Las Vegas travelling in a wheelchair.
In his most recent public outing 10 days ago, Jackson was seen walking freely but kept his face covered by a mask.
Jackson's representatives refused to deny the reports.
"He's not doing so well right now — this isn't a good time," Jackson's brother Jermaine was quoted as saying.
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