Frankie Valli speaks out against claims he is a victim of elder abuse | Music

Frankie Valli is speaking out in defense of his health after videos of the 90-year-old singer appearing weak and disoriented on stage went viral on social media platforms such as TikTok.

The videos sparked concern among fans that the Four Seasons frontman was forced to perform against his will, with some accusing his team of elder abuse.

In a statement shared with People, Valli said he wanted to “clear the air” because “I know there have been a lot of things about me on the internet lately.

“I am blessed to be 90 years old and still doing what I love to do and as long as I am able to do that, and the audience wants to come to me, I will perform the way I always do,” he continued. “I absolutely love what I do. And I know we put on a great show because our fans still come out in droves and the show is still great.

“How do we do the show?! The Four Seasons sound has always been about combining vocals and instruments,” he added. “We use our 60 years of experience so that we sound like the records. I sing, I have singers who sing, great arrangements… everything. I chuckle when I wonder if someone is forcing me to go on stage. No one has ever made me do anything I didn’t want to do.”

The singer, who is currently on tour with the Four Seasons, concluded: “I plan on doing shows for as long as I can and delivering that great Four Seasons sound. Like that line in Jersey Boys, I’m like that bunny on TV that just keeps going and going. On the hunt for the music.”

The online chatter started after videos posted online showed Valli appearing to forget some lyrics while performing Bye, Bye, Baby (Baby, Goodbye) and falling behind on the choreography (Oh What a Night) in December 1963. Valli, who turned 90 in May, will tour through April 2025.

The TikTok controversy comes four months after the singer’s restraining order against his son Francesco, 36, was extended to three years. A Los Angeles judge signed an order in April banning Francesco from contacting or coming within 100 yards of the singer or his other son, Emilio.

In court documents, Emilio said he and Valli feared for their safety after Francesco tried to break into their father’s property. While waiting for law enforcement to arrive, Francesco “repeatedly threatened to physically harm or kill Valli and Emilio,” threats that “were part of a pattern in recent months.”

Valli married former CBS marketing director Jackie Jacobs, 61, in June 2023 in Las Vegas.