Paul Newman’s friend and business partner, A.E. Hotchner, is denying a report, which quotes him telling the Associated Press that the actor is fighting cancer.
“I saw him last week and he seemed fine,” Hotchner told Access Hollywood exclusively. “I have no knowledge of any diagnosis or doctors.”
Earlier Wednesday, the AP reported that Hotchner confirmed Newman was battling cancer and was currently undergoing treatment.
“I know that it’s a form of cancer,” the AP quoted Hotchner as saying. “It’s a form of cancer and he’s dealing with it.”
The longtime friend and business partner of Newman’s told Access the quotes are incorrect.
“The AP misquoted me. I have no knowledge of Mr. Newman being treated for any illness,” Hotchner said.
In addition to starting Newman’s Own salad dressing company, Newman and Hotchner founded The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp, which gives more than 1,000 children with cancer and other serious illnesses and conditions the chance to go to summer camp every year.
When contacted by “Access Hollywood,” the Associated Press said, “We stand by our story.”