Rapper and singer Lil Nas X has shared with fans that he’s experiencing partial paralysis on one side of his face.
In a video posted from the hospital on Instagram, the 26-year-old artist—real name Montero Lamar Hill—told his 10.4 million followers that he has “lost control” of the right side of his face.
“This is me doing a full smile right now,” he said, attempting to grin but struggling. “Bro, I can’t even laugh right.”
Despite the scare, Lil Nas X tried to keep things lighthearted. In a follow-up post, he reassured fans he’s “OK” and told them not to worry: “Stop being sad… shake ur ass for me instead!” he joked. He also wrote, “I’mma look funny for a lil bit but that’s it.”
Many fans and fellow celebrities quickly sent messages of support. Actress Taraji P. Henson wrote, “Get well baby,” while musician Shirley Manson added, “Sending you love.” Comedian Wanda Sykes offered some motherly advice, saying, “Sometimes your body tells you to sit down somewhere. Rest up.”
Even though the exact cause of the paralysis wasn’t shared, fans have speculated it could be Bell’s Palsy—a condition that temporarily paralyzes facial muscles—or Ramsay Hunt Syndrome, which occurs when shingles affect the facial nerve and may also cause hearing problems.
Both conditions are typically temporary and are often brought on by stress or infections.
Lil Nas X isn’t the first celebrity to deal with this kind of issue. In 2022, pop star Justin Bieber postponed part of his tour after being diagnosed with Ramsay Hunt Syndrome.
He posted a video showing he couldn’t blink one eye, though he later made a full recovery.
British singer Tulisa Contostavlos has also spoken about her ongoing experience with Bell’s Palsy, which started after a horse-riding accident. In 2020, she revealed that without early treatment, symptoms can last for several months.
Just before his hospital visit, Lil Nas X had been busy promoting his new eight-track EP, Days Before Dreamboy, a teaser for his next full album following his 2021 debut Montero.
In a recent interview with Atlanta’s Hot 107.9 radio, he opened up about struggling creatively earlier this year.
“At the top of 2024… I felt lost,” he said. “I was trying to please everyone except myself.” He admitted he thought he had to be “outrageous all the time,” but realized he didn’t need to push himself constantly. “Sometimes I can just chill.”
At last month’s GLAAD Awards, Lil Nas X also revealed he passed on a chance to work with Taylor Swift. “We were working on something,” he said on the red carpet. “She offered me a verse on a song, but I couldn’t catch a vibe, so it didn’t happen.”
Despite his health scare, Lil Nas X remains in good spirits, joking in one clip, “We normal over here, we get crazy over here!” while pointing to both sides of his face.
Disclaimer- Our team has thoroughly fact-checked this article to ensure its accuracy and maintain its credibility. We are committed to providing honest and reliable content for our readers.