Music mogul Simon Cowell has been hospitalised with a broken back after falling off his new electric bike in the courtyard of his home in Los Angeles on Sunday.
The 60-year-old TV star is undergoing surgery and is being cared for, according to a statement by a spokeswoman.
"He's doing fine, he's under observation and is in the best possible hands", she said earlier.
"Simon has broken his back and is having surgery this evening", the spokeswoman confirmed and his surgery began on Saturday evening LA time.
The accident led to an outpour of sympathy from friends and fellow media stars.
So sorry to hear this.
— Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) August 9, 2020
Sounds a very nasty accident.
I wish Simon a successful operation and a full & speedy recovery. https://t.co/RqBwIzVeqR
Get well soon @SimonCowell
— StayHomeStaySafe nCov19 Covid19 Corona Virus (@iambhutia) August 9, 2020
Simon Cowell in hospital after 'breaking his back' in a bike accident https://t.co/eulokeviKo
My thoughts and prayers are with #SimonCowell and his family. ❤️ He is having surgery after injuring his back in a bike accident. Please send thoughts and prayers, He’s been a huge part of the start of my career and he’s seriously a kind and genuine person. 💕 @SimonCowell pic.twitter.com/h0vxtSk5if
— Bianca Ryan (@BiancaRyan) August 9, 2020
Fans also gave their support for the X Factor host.
Damn man Simon Cowell get well soon.. #FolloMe #Teamfollowback #follo4folloback pic.twitter.com/55ntkNFC3v
— Instagram @Orease (@orease) August 9, 2020
Wow Simon Cowell broke his back and so many people on Twitter celebrating. Don’t be mean! Be nice folks! Get well soon Simon.
— Ken Brown (@kenbrwn1) August 9, 2020
Cowell, who is most known for hosting hit shows The X Factor and Britain's Got Talent, is spending his coronavirus lockdown in the US, where he lives full time.
He took up exercise to get a healthier lifestyle after suffering a fall in 2017 which saw him stretchered out of his London home by paramedics after falling down his stairs on the way to the kitchen early in the morning.
