Jet Li’s manager has addressed the growing concerns over the beloved martial arts icon’s current health status, attributing his aged looks in recent viral photos to the “wrong angle.”
Heartbroken fans of the action superstar took to social media to extend their prayers and support for the actor after photos showing him looking frail and old emerged online.
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The photos, which feature the 55-year-old actor during a recent appearance in Tibet, were almost unrecognizable from what he looked just a few years ago.
According to Li’s manager, Steven Chasman, the actor remains in good health, stating that the online discussions about his condition are just “much ado about nothing.”
“We appreciate everyone’s concern. But Jet is completely fine,” Chasman told USA Today. “There’s nothing wrong with him. There’s no life-threatening illness. He’s in great shape.”
“We appreciate everyone’s concern. But Jet is completely fine,” Chasman told USA Today. “There’s nothing wrong with him. There’s no life-threatening illness. He’s in great shape.”
Chasman maintains that the controversial images in Tibet have been merely taken out of context.
“It’s one picture and people are making these interpretations from it,” he explained. “If you took a picture me at the wrong angle and wrong time of the day, I could look frail as well.”
“It’s one picture and people are making these interpretations from it,” he explained. “If you took a picture me at the wrong angle and wrong time of the day, I could look frail as well.”
Known for his memorable roles in blockbuster hits such as “Lethal Weapon 4,” “Fearless,” “Romeo Must Die,” and “The Expendables” film series, Li has reportedly been suffering from hyperthyroidism and spinal problems since 2010.
Hyperthyroidism, a condition which affects a person’s metabolism and heart rate, is treatable with proper medication. Li has stated in the past that his strong belief in Buddhism, along with meditation and reading scriptures had helped stabilize his condition.
Chasman, who told the Washington Post in a separate interview that he has spoken with Li’s assistant, confirmed that the actor is dealing with his condition accordingly.
“He has hyperthyroidism that he’s been dealing with for almost 10 years. It’s nothing life-threatening and he’s dealing with it,” he was quoted as saying.
