Joan Rivers rushed to hospital in critical condition

Comedian Joan Rivers has been rushed to New York City's Mount Sinai hospital in critical condition.

TMZ reports that the 81-year-old Rivers stopped breathing during a surgery on her vocal chords. At one point during the process, Rivers' heart stopped beating; it's currently unclear whether doctors were able to revive her.

Daughter Melissa, who routinely appeared alongside her mother in red-carpet interviews, is reportedly on her way to New York City.

The Week

Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

SUBSCRIBE & SAVE

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters

From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.

From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.

Sign up

Latest Videos From

Watch full video here:

UPDATE 12:51 p.m.: E! News reports that Rivers is now in "stable condition."