Joan Rivers On Life Support: Melissa Is ‘In Denial,’ Sources Say

Joan Rivers’ daughter Melissa is apparently “in denial” about her mother’s condition,” sources told the New York Daily News Sunday. Melissa, who appeared on a reality show with her ailing mother, has issued several responses since Rivers’ health deteriorated and though she has acknowledged the acerbic comedian’s circumstance is “serious,” she reportedly remains hopeful.

“She still thinks everything is going to be OK. She is refusing to admit that a world might exist without her mother in it,” a source said about Melissa. “Others that are close to Joan are starting to realize that the outcome they want is very unlikely.”

In one of her statements, Melissa thanked fans for their well wishes. "My mother would be so touched by the tributes and prayers that we have received from around the world,” she wrote in a statement to E! News Friday. “Her condition remains serious but she is receiving the best treatment and care possible. We ask that you continue to keep her in your thoughts as we pray for her recovery."

The legendary comedian, 81, was placed on life support at Mount Sinai Hospital in Manhattan after she stopped breathing during a non-surgical throat procedure Thursday, TMZ reported. It’s unclear how long she went without oxygen. Now, the “Fashion Police” star is reliant on machines to stay alive, the news site said. The family has a few days before they need to decide if they want to take her off life support, sources said.

Rivers would not want to live unless she could enjoy “a full and active life. ... [She] would never want to be a burden on anyone,” sources told the Daily News.

Rivers’ “Fashion Police” costars took to Twitter to pray for the comedian’s recovery.

Follow me on Twitter @mariamzzarella