Simon Cowell has 'broken his back' after a bike riding accident - here's what happened
Simon Cowell has suffered a serious back injury after falling from an electric bike he was riding.
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The fall reportedly could have left the music mogul and talent show judge paralysed. Here’s what happened.
What happened to Simon Cowell?
On Saturday 8 August, Simon Cowell was taken to hospital after falling off his electric bike in the courtyard of his home in Malibu, California.
Cowell was spending time with his six-year-old son Eric and his partner Lauren Silverman when the accident happened.
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He had a six-hour long operation later that day, which involved a number of procedures, including having a metal rod placed in his back.
His spokeswoman said that the TV personality has “broken his back in a number of places”, but that he was “doing fine”.
Speaking to entertainment website Deadline, Cowell’s spokesperson said: “Simon had a fall from his bike on Saturday afternoon whilst testing his new electric bike in the courtyard at his house in Malibu with his family.”
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What did Simon Cowell say?
Cowell took to Twitter after news of his injury circulated.
He wrote: “Some good advice… If you buy an electric bike, read the manual before you ride it for the first time. I have broken part of my back. Thank you to everyone for your kind messages.
“And a massive thank you to all the nurses and doctors. Some of the nicest people I have ever met. Stay safe everyone. Simon.”
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Well wishes
Cowell received various well wishes on Twitter, including from his Britain’s Got Talent co-judge, Amanda Holden.
Holden tweeted a picture of the two of them together, writing: “I’ve been thinking about my dear friend all day and luckily I’m able to write that he’s had his operation and he’s doing really well.
“My family and I wish you a speedy recovery and send you, Lauren and Eric all our love.”
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Good Morning Britain host Piers Morgan also tweeted when he heard the news, writing: “So sorry to hear this. Sounds like a very nasty accident. I wish Simon a successful operation and a full & speedy recovery.”
When Cowell tweeted about the accident, Morgan quote tweeted him, writing: “Stick to that Zimmer Frame I got you in the future - it’s more age-appropriate. Glad you’re through to the next round.”
Will he miss filming for America’s Got Talent?
The accident will force Cowell to miss filming the beginning of this season’s live shows of American’s Got Talent, on NBC.
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The live shows will begin on Tuesday and Wednesday, with the network confirming that they will go ahead without Cowell.
Sofia Vergara, who is a judge on the show, posted a picture to Instagram with her fellow America’s Got Talent judges Howie Mandel and Heidi Klum on set during rehearsals, pointing to Cowell’s empty chair.
Vergara wrote: “We miss our boss!! Come back fast @simoncowell”
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Cowell’s return date isn’t known yet, and will depend on his recovery.
The show, which is now in its 15th season, has had to adapt to a new format for the live shows due to the coronavirus, implementing a “drive-thru” stage in place of its usual theatre setting with a live audience.