Harrison 'Disgusted' by Death Rumors
July 23 -- George Harrison is "disappointed and disgusted" at reports that he is near death. The former Beatle, who has battled cancer and, reportedly, a brain tumor, responded angrily to an interview supposedly given by Beatles producer George Martin in which the "fifth Beatle" said Harrison did not have long to live.
Adam Sharp, of George Martin Music, told Good Morning America today that Martin did not give the interview attributed to him in London's Mail on Sunday. In the article, Martin was quoted as saying of Harrison, "He has been near death many times and he's been rescued many times as well. But he knows he is going to die soon and he's accepting it perfectly happily."
A statement released to the press today by Harrison and his wife, Olivia, said, "The reports were unsubstantiated, untrue, insensitive, and uncalled for, especially as Mr. Harrison is active and feeling very well in spite of the health challenges he has had this year."
Harrison Reportedly Has Brain Tumor Earlier this year, Harrison underwent surgery for lung cancer, and, more recently, he received radiation treatment in Switzerland for what is reportedly a brain tumor.
Two weeks ago, Harrison addressed reports of his treatment at a Swiss clinic in a statement in which he said that he was feeling fine and apologized for "unnecessary worry" caused by media reports of his illness.
The statement was markedly different from one released by his lawyer after Harrison was treated in the United States for a cancerous growth in one of his lungs in May.
"Although All Things Must Pass away, George has no plans right now and is still Living in the Material World, and wishes everyone all the best, God Bless and not to worry," the statement said, alluding to several of Harrison's recordings.
ABCNEWS.com and Reuters contributed to this report.
Trending Reader Picks
ABC News Live