Jet Li's manager has responded to concern for his health online by saying that the action movie star is in better shape than a recent picture suggested, adding that he is not actually in poor health.
A picture of Li looking old and frail at an event in Tibet had been doing the rounds on social media, prompting fans to express their concerns and send him their best wishes.
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It was revealed some years ago that he had been suffering from a heart problem and hyperthyroidism. Speaking back in 2013 he was reported as saying that he had a choice to "either continue making [action] films or spend the rest of his life in a wheelchair".
Now, his manager, Steven Chasman, has quelled concerns for Li's health by saying that it was merely a bad photo and the actor is in fact in relatively good health and is in good spirits.
He told the Post: "He has hyperthyroidism that he's been dealing with for almost 10 years.
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"It's nothing life-threatening and he's dealing with it. He's all well and good."
During his career, Li became known for his acrobatic stunts and his martial arts skills. He has starred in films such as The Expendables, Romeo Must Die, and Kiss of the Dragon after catching his first break in the Once Upon a Time in China series.
However, several accidents on set - the kind that you might have if you were a high-flying acrobatic performer - have left him with leg and spine problems that have led to limited movement and difficulty standing up for a long period of time.
Despite his problems, he has always maintained that he is not at death's door. Back in 2016 he told the Singapore Press: "There is nothing to worry about my health. Recently, the web has been abuzz with news that I'm going to be wheelchair-bound. Even my friends are concerned and are asking how I am.
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"I'm not sure which wheelchair company is putting out such news to sell more wheelchairs. Perhaps someone wants me to be a spokesman for their wheelchairs."
Despite that, the speculation has continued and came to a head recently, upon publication of the unfortunate picture.
One fan took to Twitter to express their best wishes, posting: "Hope Jet Li gets and stays well. Had no idea about his condition till now.
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"Take this moment to appreciate people who suffer for their art (notice, THEY suffer, not make others suffer. HUGE difference). HERO is one of my favorite movies of all time. Man is an icon."
We all agree, but if he says he's fine, let's just leave him alone.
Featured Image Credit: PA/InstagramTopics: TV and Film, Celebrity, Martial Arts, US Entertainment, China