Val Kilmer Christian Science Beliefs Allegedly See Him Refuse Medical Treatment For Throat Tumor

Actor Val Kilmer was rushed to the U.C.L.A. Medical Center in Santa Monica, California, on Monday after he started bleeding from the throat, caused by an alleged tumor, but the actor reportedly refused to seek medical treatment due to his religious beliefs as a member of Christian Science.

Kilmer, in a Facebook post, denied that he had tumor and surgery, saying that it was just a rumor.

According to a TMZ report, the actor underwent surgery and is recovering. It said his family was "upset because they feel Val has ignored the problem and allowed it to get worse."

"Val Kilmer's family believes the actor is killing himself by not dealing with a serious tumor ... because of his religious beliefs," the report said.

It said because of his Christian Science beliefs, Kilmer refused to seek treatment. "Christian Science followers generally believe prayer heals, not medical treatment," TMZ wrote.

When the report on his tumor surfaced, Kilmer posted on Facebook to deny it but said he's in the I.C.U. for complication.

"Thank you for all your sweet support. But I have not had a tumor, or a tumor operation, or any operation. I had a complication where the best way to receive care was to stay under the watchful eye of the U.C.L.A. I.C.U.," he wrote last Jan. 31.

He added: "Friends have assisted who know my spiritual convictions and have been most sensitive and kind for the extra effort in making sure there's minimum gossip and silly talk. I am praying for a speedy return to the boards as they say. God bless you all and please don't worry."

The following day, he wrote, "Again, no tumor, no surgery."

"We are waiting for X-ray results and will stay close to my doctors, advising my family and Christian Science practitioner when all the facts are in. Then I'll do what's best and be back at it sooner than u can shake a gossip column at an out of work actor," he said.

A USA Today report quoted his representative Liz Rosenberg as telling a news agency that the actor underwent tests for possible tumor, which was blasted by Kilmer in a long Facebook post.

"USA Today is making a claim that my representative is more correct about the facts of my body than I am. That'll be a first for entertainment history at large. Please direct any concerned friends you may have that want to know how I'm doing to this sight (sic)," he posted on Feb. 2.

He said, "I've been quiet about my health because it's my business. Even my weight has ended up demanding me to 'respond' because my weight loss was presented in a negative way."

"But one of the questions that isn't importantly sure even to the faithful readers of USA Today, is whether my representative is more right about describing the up to the minute about my body. Let's cross that off the list shall we. If you want to know something about me, write me here. I'll hire someone and we will do live chats and interviews and written Q and A's until you're sick of me as USA Today would have you believe I am," he said.

He added: "I'll start with the Facebook communication company tomorrow. I have a few friends into this selling of themselves on a professional level to turn to. I'm sure I can pick a cool one. And my 'rep' USA Today mentions too is cool also. Maybe she can help get me into the 21st century communicating honestly and consistently with people who enjoy my work and deserve better than the no fact checking blogging that gets sold as legitimate news today to our grand lazy public."