Liz Taylor's illness mystery

2008-08-03 13:20

Los Angeles - Elizabeth Taylor is not critically ill, says her publicist.

It was reported on Thursday the 76-year-old actress had been put on a life support machine after suffering congestive heart failure following a bout of pneumonia.

However, her spokesperson in the US has dismissed the story.

Dick Guttman: "Ms Taylor is fine. The rumours which began in England about her health are dramatic, overstated and untrue. Her hospital visit was precautionary. She will return home shortly.

"At present she is surrounded by family, friends and fabulous jewels."

It had also been reported the star's friends and family had been warned by medics that she may not survive.

A source told America's National Enquirer magazine: "The doctors thought they were going to lose her. She's still very sick, but she's past the crisis."

Taylor - who has been married and divorced eight times - was reportedly first taken to hospital on July 15 with suspected flu.

- Bang