Rep: Liz Taylor having tests in hospital

LOS ANGELES, July 15 (UPI) -- Elizabeth Taylor's publicist says the screen icon is in a Los Angeles hospital for tests, not because she is grieving for Michael Jackson as has been reported.

The New York Post said Tuesday the 77-year-old actress was hospitalized because she was so distraught following the death of her longtime friend and an alleged snub by his family that prevented her from attending services for him.

However, Taylor's representative denied the Post report and told CNN the actress was admitted to undergo scheduled testing. Taylor discussed her planned hospital stay via Twitter July 5, CNN noted.

"Although my grief over Michael could not be any deeper, I am not on suicide watch as some of the cheaper 'rags' would have you believe," Taylor said in the message.

As for why she didn't attend Jackson's public memorial last week at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, Taylor previously tweeted she "cannot be part of the public hoopla."

"I just don't believe that Michael would want me to share my grief with millions of others," Taylor said. "How I feel is between us. Not a public event. I certainly don't want to become a part of it. I love him too much. ... And I cannot guarantee that I would be coherent to say a word."

CNN quoted Taylor's spokesman as saying the messages the actress posted last week "still pertain."

Jackson died June 25 of cardiac arrest after a suspected prescription drug overdose at the age of 50.