Comedian Joan Rivers said to be critically ill

81-year-old reportedly stopped breathing during operation on vocal chords

Acerbic comedian and fashion critic Joan Rivers was rushed to Mount Sinai Hospital in New York today after she reportedly stopped breathing during surgery on her vocal chords at a nearby clinic, the hospital said.

Mount Sinai gave no details on the condition of the 81-year-old Brooklyn-born celebrity but said it would provide an update as it becomes available.

American TV host Billy Bush wrote on his Facebook page that Ms Rivers' daughter Melissa had told him to "please pray". He wrote: "Praying for Joan Rivers who is in critical condition at Mt Sinai hospital in NY. Texted with Melissa Rivers who said 'please pray'. Already doing that. Joan is beloved around here. A regular guest on Access Hollywood Live she never fails to deliver. She taped her post Emmy special Tuesday in LA and was strong. This is out of nowhere. Come on Joan you have to make it. Just think of all the material. Sending love and prayer."

One of America’s best-known comedians, Rivers is considered a pioneer for women in stand-up comedy.

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New York city fire department spokesman Jim Long said a patient reported to be in cardiac arrest had been taken from Yorkville Endoscopy to Mount Sinai by emergency workers responding to the call at 9.40am (13.40 GMT).

Mr Long declined to name the patient for privacy concerns, but the NBC television affiliate in New York said it was Ms Rivers and that she had stopped breathing during a procedure on her vocal chords.

In an age of political correctness, Ms Rivers’ no-holds-barred comic style has stood out in the crowded world of celebrity TV, as has her ability to make fun of herself, including her penchant for plastic surgery.

Aside from her role on Fashion Police, she has in recent years starred alongside her daughter in the WE TV reality show Joan & Melissa: Joan Knows Best? – (Reuters)