Chaz Threatens to Sue , Says He's Not Dying

Chaz Bono has demanded an immediate apology/retraction from the National Enquirer over a defamatory November 14 cover story that predicts he will die in four years due to his gender transition.

Bono's attorney Dina LaPolt has sent a cease and desist letter that calls the claim "absolutely outrageous, false, fabricated, and highly defamatory. The salacious and inflammatory headline and article were crafted for the malicious purpose of discriminating against our client's gender and sexual orientation."

The letter states that the Enquirer's article alleges that "obesity, testosterone supplements, and high suicide rates among transgender people all increase Chaz's risk of an early death." The tabloid publication attributes these "facts" to Dr. Patrick Wanis. The letter says the Enquirer's the statements attributed to Wanis and depiction of him "as a medical doctor specializing transgender health issues are highly misleading and blatantly false."

LaPolt requests notice within 24 hours of that an apology and retraction will be issued and word that the publication will cease making false and defamatory remarks against Bono or action will commence immediately.