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Simon Cowell recovers from 5-hour surgery after falling off bike, had a 'metal rod' put into his broken back

The 60-year-old was at his Malibu home in California along with his family when he fell off an electric bicycle in his courtyard

Simon Cowell went through a grueling five-hour surgery after being hospitalized following a minor accident in Malibu, California on Saturday, August 8. The 60-year-old TV personality had fallen off an electric bicycle in his courtyard, his rep shared. The entertainment mogul was at his Malibu home in California along with his family when he fell. 

A source spoke to PEOPLE and revealed, "Simon had surgery overnight and is doing okay this morning. It was a five-hour surgery and he has had to have a number of fusions and metal rod put into his back." "He landed on his back when he fell from the bike. The injuries are bad but he's also been told he was lucky," the source continued. 

Cowell's spokesperson shared, "Simon has broken his back and will be having surgery this evening. He hurt his back and was taken to the hospital. He's doing fine, he's under observation and is in the best possible hands."

Many of his fans and followers took to Instagram to wish him a speedy recovery as the news of the minor accident spread. One such user had shared, "I love you Simon ❤ I'm worried about you. Thank god. ❤❤You are such a amazing person I have ever seen. Get well soon." Another wrote, "I hope you get great care and recover quickly and fully! Prayers to you Simon!" Yet another Cowell fan added, "Oh man stay safe Simon we still need you to drill contestants in agt."

Many Twitter users also commented on the news of Cowell's back surgery and wished him well. One such user shared, "Simon, I wish you well. Please do not get hooked on pain killers. You may need pain relief meds for a while, but get off of them as soon as possible, please!"

Another added, "Considering his personality, I wouldve thought he ALREADY had a metal rod stuck in him! All jokes aside, I hope hes doing well."

We had earlier reported that it was revealed that Cowell was going to have to miss 'Britains' Got Talent' semi-finals for the first time. "Simon is gutted to not be physically there for the semi-finals, but he'll be there virtually, casting an eye over the talent and imparting his views in every show. Normally, schedules mean Simon can do both but AGT's dates haven't moved while BGT's have due to coronavirus," a source told The Sun.

Back in 2017, Cowell had injured himself when he had fallen down the stairs in his London home. At the time, it was reported that Cowell had fainted due to "low blood pressure". He had said, "Sometimes we get a reminder that we're not invincible and this was certainly mine. It was a huge shock. They think I fainted because I had low blood pressure and so I have got to really take good care of myself to sort that out." Amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, Cowell has been spending some quality time with his girlfriend, Lauren Silverman, and their son, Eric, 6, and her 14-year-old son, Adam, who is from Silverman's previous relationship.