Jean-Claude Van Damme says he didn't have a heart attack

What heart attack? Jean-Claude Van Damme says he's feeling fine, thank you very much -- but that might not be all there is to the story.

"Hours ago, I read a rumor online about me suffering heart attack!!," the actor's Facebook page reads. "Please, do not believe all what you read from rumors on any unofficial JCVD sites. Jean-Claude Van Damme is 100% healthy, training well for taking the fight and sending his fans & friends much love."

TwitchFilm.net reported Tuesday that Van Damme had suffered a minor heart attack the previous week in New Orleans, on location for his film, "Weapon." A Ministry request for comment Tuesday from a Van Damme rep wasn't answered, but MTV News was told in an e-mail, "He is okay."

Now, TwitchFilm said its original information came off a Van Damme fan discussion board, where an administrator identified a minor heart attack as the "complication" in New Orleans that forced the crew to film scenes without the star -- and a look at the ongoing exchange at VanDammeFan.net is pretty interesting.

Sheldon Lettich, who wrote Van Damme's "Bloodsport," "Lionheart," "Legionnaire" and "Double Impact," participates on that fan board, according to his own website. In response to forum members who questioned the veracity of the site administrator's report, Lettich posted that nobody who'd been on location had mentioned it "because we were asked -- by JC and his agent -- to keep it quiet until they could release a statement. Guess the cat somehow got out of the bag before they could do that." 

Lettich also posted, "JC felt some tightness in his chest just hours after he'd arrived in New Orleans, and checked himself into a local hospital for tests." He noted that Van Damme's wife, Gladys, had flown in and stayed by her husband's side for the duration.

Discussion of the story and how it had blown up was still going strong Wednesday in that thread, which you can read for yourself here. Warning: It's a lengthy chat.

An e-mail inquiry to Lettich's rep for comment was not immediately returned. We'll update if we hear back. 

-- Christie D'Zurilla

Photo: Jean Claude Van Damme at the Cannes International Film Festival in May. Credit: Lionel Cironneau / Associated Press

 

 

 

 

Hours ago, I read a rumor online about me suffering heart attack!!
Please, do not believe all what you read from rumors on any unofficial JCVD sites. Jean-Claude Van Damme is 100% healthy, training well for taking the fight and sending his fans & friends much love. — JCVD

Comments

[Lady J]

Thanks so much for writing this, updating us. I'm sure all of us that were worried a breathing a sigh of relief to know that Jean-Claude is doing well.

To JCVD: I'm so happy that you are well. Please take care of yourself. I'll take this opportunity to say an emphatic THANK YOU for being you and for your contributions to our world. You are precious and beautiful and we all love you very much! Happy belated Birthday! Thank you Mr. and Mrs. Van Varenberg for making such a treasure! :)

Sincerely,
Lady J

[LadyUsako]

*phew* it was a rumor after all thanks for clearing this uP!
and happy belated bday!!

[Nathan Scott]

it's all rumors and he is filming in ROMANIA!

[madsircool]

He'd rather have a heart attack then meet Chuck Zito again.

[Bob Obowey]

BABA BOOEY, BABA BOOEY, BABA BOOEY !!!!

[Robert A. Booey]

Chuck Zito would beat Van Damme's ass. And Baba Booey to you all.

[fandamme]

After I saw the movie Bloodsport, I have been a fan of the Great Van damme ever since... the greatest actor, I am glad that he is okay.

I would love to see him on major Hollywood movies again, but he had enough of fame and money (which in the end will do no good), so he is content in starring in small movies in europe.