Janet Jackson has denied rumors she has throat cancer by using her own lyrics.
Concerns spread earlier this week, when RadarOnline reported “sources close to the singer” saying doctors had found a growth on her vocal cords.
Janet Jackson responded by quoting her song The Great Forever on social media: “Sources say but where ya gettin’ it? Don’t create the truth you like.”
In a statement, the singer added: “The rumors are untrue. I do not have cancer.”
Janet Jackson announced just before the new year she would postpone several 2016 dates on her Unbreakable world tour, telling fans she had been advised to have surgery.
“I need you to know, I learned today, from my doctors that I must have surgery soon,” the singer wrote.
“It breaks my heart to tell you that I am forced to postpone the Unbreakable tour until the spring.”
Janet Jackson, 49, did not elaborate on her condition at the time, saying: “There will be no further comment.”
The cancer rumor originated on RadarOnline website and was rapidly reported by media outlets. The unnamed source was quoted as saying Janet Jackson’s family were “terrified” as they awaited test results.
Janet Jackson’s response was preceded by a message from her publicists, which said: “It was Janet’s wish not to make any further comments about her health, however, because of the great concern from around the world, Janet will be releasing a personal message shortly.”
After denying the cancer rumor, Janet Jackson stated: “I’m recovering. My doctors have approved my concerts as scheduled in Europe, and as I promised, the postponed shows will be rescheduled. Thank you for your prayers and love.”
The song Janet Jackson quoted, The Great Forever, takes aim at the media’s coverage of her personal life and the Jackson family in general.
Its lyrics continue: “[You] don’t like seeing people happy / Is it jealousy or personal? / Cause I don’t see why loving someone / Or what I do seem so radical to you.”
The Great Forever is taken from Janet Jackson’s current album, Unbreakable, which reached No 1 in the US in October 2015.
Unbreakable is Janet Jackson’s first release since her brother, Michael, died in 2009, which prompted the singer to take a step back from the public eye.
