Val Kilmer Clears Up 'Gossip' Over Tumour

Batman Forever star Val Kilmer has taken to Facebook to clear up rumours he was being treated for a suspected tumour.

The actor said that he is in a Los Angeles hospital for observation following what he called a "complication".

"Thank you for all your sweet support," Kilmer said in the post.

"But I have not had a tumour, or a tumour operation, or any operation. I had a complication where the best way to receive care was to stay under the watchful eye of the UCLA ICU," Kilmer wrote, referring to the intensive care unit of the University of California, Los Angeles, Medical Center.

Kilmer is undergoing tests, family spokeswoman Liz Rosenberg said in an email.

The actor, who has disclosed in previous interviews that he is a Christian Scientist, also said in the message he was assisted by friends who know his "spiritual convictions" and have helped in minimising what he called "gossip and silly talk".

Some Christian Scientists, based on the precepts of their faith, have been known to advocate prayer before or instead of medical treatments when a person is ill.

Kilmer did not disclose any further details about his ailment in the post, but said that he hoped for a speedy recovery.

He said he would wait for the facts, "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".

Kilmer's two children Mercedes and Jack are thought to be at the hospital with him.

The 55-year-old played Doors singer Jim Morrison in a 1991 film about the band and Batman in the 1995 superhero film Batman Forever.

In 2013, the actor reunited with Anthony Edwards, his co-star in the 1986 film Top Gun, to give voice to characters in the animated comedy Planes.