ROSIE PEREZ'S MOM DYING OF AIDS

Rosie Perez's mom, 60-year-old Lydia, revealed to the New York Daily News that she is suffering from AIDS and that her actress daughter refuses to return her phone calls. "Please tell her I'm dying and I just want to see her one more time," says Lydia, who is living in a NYC public housing project. The actress issued a statement through her publicist: "As a strong AIDS activist, I have pleaded with my mother to accept my assistance through whatever connections I have within the AIDS community and medical community; she has refused it. I have also offered her financial assistance, which was accepted. While it is accurate to say she is not the woman who raised me and we are somewhat estranged, I have always wished for her the best help and continue to offer my support."

TV GuideNews July 7, 2000 at 1:00 a.m. PT