HOLLYWOOD - Amy Winehouse shocked onlookers when she sparked up a cigarette in London on Monday--even though she is still in the hospital recovering from severe lung problems.
Last week, the singer's worried dad Mitch Winehouse told reporters the star was suffering from deadly lung disease emphysema, which had been caused by her wild lifestyle.
The worried patriarch went on to admit he had the diagnosis incorrect--insisting she was only suffering from traces of the killer condition, but it could develop if she continues with her heavy smoking habit.
He said, "Amy really hasn't got emphysema. There's traces of emphysema. Obviously, if she doesn't quit smoking it's gonna get worse--as with everybody else.
And Winehouse said his famous daughter was determined to get well, saying, "She's smothered in nicotine patches. She's responding brilliantly to treatment. She's actually flourishing."
However, making a rare public appearance on her way to rehearsals for her appearance at English music festival Glastonbury over the weekend, the "Rehab" star was photographed smoking a cigarette while being driven to the venue, reports UsWeekly.com.
The move is a shock to fans, as the star has been warned if she continues with her tobacco habit it will severely jeopardize her future as a singer.
Dr. Keith Prowse, chairman of the British Lung Foundation, says, "Emphysema is extremely common but it generally affects middle-aged and elderly people. Smoking is the commonest cause, and it's basically destruction of the lungs so that oxygen cannot get into them."
Despite the setback, Mitch Winehouse is adamant his daughter won't be forced to cancel her upcoming performance at the music festival, he says, "She really wants to do the gigs [over] the weekend, and with the doctors' permission--and they've given that permission--she's gonna perform."
http://www.hollywood.com/news/Amy_Winehouse_Shocks_Onlookers_by_Smoking/5260790
