Lil Nas X, the Grammy Award-winning rapper and artist, recently gave a disturbing health update on Instagram, announcing that he had lost some control of his face. The 24-year-old singer uploaded a video for his 10.4 million followers, announcing that the right side of his face is paralyzed.
In the video, Lil Nas X tried to smile but was unable to move the right side of his face. “This is me doing a full smile right now, by the way,” he explained. “Bro, I can’t even laugh right.”
Even with the sudden medical problem, the rapper was in high spirits. In a later post, he requested that fans not pity him and told fans he was coping. ““Shake ur a*s for me instead!” he wrote with humor. “I’mma look funny for a lil bit but that’s it.”
Speculation Surrounding Bell’s Palsy and Ramsay Hunt Syndrome
Though Lil Nas X never revealed a diagnosis, his symptoms prompted fans to guess Bell’s Palsy or Ramsay Hunt Syndrome. The two are documented to result in sudden facial paralysis and are also usually caused by stress or infection.
Bell’s Palsy is a neurological condition that occurs in one side of the face due to swelling of the facial nerve. Ramsay Hunt Syndrome, however, results from a shingles infection in the facial nerves around the ear and can lead to hearing loss or tinnitus.
Lil Nas X said he’s ok. So don’t go thinking he had a stroke or anything like that. It’s probably Bell’s Palsy, which will bother him for a few months and then pass. Or, if not that, something else that we don’t need to worry about,” one person posted on X (formerly Twitter), reflecting the opinions of many fans.
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Bell’s palsy may be a reaction to a viral infection. It rarely occurs more than once.
Bell’s palsy is characterized by muscle weakness that causes one half of the face to droop.
Bell’s palsy usually resolves on its own within six months. Physical therapy can help prevent muscles…— Catherine (@RoxieKat) April 15, 2025
Lil Nas X said he’s ok. So don’t go thinking he had a stroke or anything like that. It’s probably Bell’s Palsy, which will bother him for a few months and then pass. Or, if not that, something else that we don’t need to worry about. https://t.co/L0tEJ5VU6T pic.twitter.com/HioVaPF9cr
— DavideLNX 🏳️🌈 (@DavideLNX) April 15, 2025
Other Celebrities With Similar Conditions
Lil Nas X is not the only artist to have suffered facial paralysis. Pop singer Justin Bieber had Ramsay Hunt Syndrome in 2022, which caused him to reschedule a number of tour dates. “There’s full paralysis on this side of my face,” Bieber explained at the time. “I’m just physically not capable of doing them.”
British television host and singer Tulisa Contostavlos also came forward in 2020 to say that she has Bell’s Palsy due to nerve damage from a horse riding accident. She said that prompt treatment is the solution, “If I didn’t take steroids within the first 72 hours of an attack, it could go on for up to seven months.”
As Lil Nas X recovers, fans on social media have come out in support, sending love and encouragement messages while monitoring for additional updates.
