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Joan Rivers condition still serious after comedienne is put on life support machine

The 81-year-old is in a 'serious condition' in a New York hospital

Heather Saul
Monday 01 September 2014 16:57 BST

Well wishes are pouring in for comedienne Joan Rivers, who is in a "serious" condition in New York hospital after she stopped breathing during throat surgery.

Rivers was rushed to the Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City on Thursday when she suddenly stopped breathing during a routine operation to fix her vocal chords.

The 81-year-old was initially placed in a medically induced coma and was said to be in a "stable but critical" condition.

"My mother would be so touched by the tributes and prayers that we have received from around the world," her daughter Melissa said in a statement released by Mt. Sinai Hospital.

"Her condition remains serious but she is receiving the best treatment and care possible. We ask that you continue to keep her in your thoughts as we pray for her recovery."

Melissa, 46, and her grandson Cooper, 13, flew out to be by her bedside after the news broke.

She is now understood to be on life support, TMZ reports. Her family have yet to comment on the reports.

A host of celebrity figures have taken to Twitter to send their best wishes and prayers for her recovery, including volatile actor Charlie Sheen, who wrote: "Please come back to us young lady. Your inimitable genius and compassion keeps a world you set in motion, a lot better every day."

Girls star Lena Dunham sent “all love and healing wishes to her Her Majesty Joan Rivers” while Kelly Osbourne said she had “got down on my knees and prayed” for a speedy recovery.

The sharp-tongued co-host of Fashion Police has been criticised for her often provocative comments, and recently sparked outrage after a series of "insensitive" comments she made regarding the conflict between Israel and Gaza.

River's health problems followed a busy week for the star, who attended the MTV Video Music Awards and Emmys, and performed in Manhattan on Wednesday.

READ MORE: JOAN RIVERS CONTINUES GAZA CONTROVERSY
JOAN RIVERS DEFENDS ISRAEL
Joan Rivers hospitalised after suffering 'cardiac arrest

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