Health-wise, it’s been a challenging year for pop singer Justin Bieber and his wife, Hailey. But the outspoken Christian couple has used physical setbacks to share their faith with fans and followers.
Justin Bieber, 28, shared his latest diagnosis on Instagram Friday, revealing he has Ramsay Hunt syndrome. Caused by the virus responsible for chickenpox and shingles, the rare syndrome affects facial nerves and can cause facial paralysis.
In February, Bieber was diagnosed with COVID-19, and in March, Hailey Bieber had a mini-stroke due to a blood clot in her brain. The 25-year-old model later said a small hole in her heart, which has since been repaired, was partly responsible.
Justin Bieber Sidelined by Facial Paralysis
On June 7, the Grammy-winning singer announced he needed to postpone three upcoming concerts due to “non-COVID related illness.” Without naming it, he said, “My sickness is getting worse,” adding that doctors had ordered him to take a break.
Three days later, Bieber posted an Instagram video captioned: “IMPORTANT PLEASE WATCH. I love you guys and keep me in your prayers.” Looking at the camera, the singer told of being diagnosed with Ramsay Hunt and pointed out the effects: His right eye doesn’t blink, his right nostril doesn’t move, and he can’t smile with the right side of his face.
“There’s full paralysis on this side of my face,” Justin Bieber pointed out. “So for those who are frustrated by my cancellations of the next shows, I’m just physically, obviously, not capable of doing them. This is pretty serious, as you can see.”
He added, “I wish this wasn’t the case, but obviously, my body is telling me I got to slow down. … I’ll be using this time to rest and relax and get back to 100% so that I can do what I was born to do.”
Justin Bieber: Latest Setback Is ‘All for a Reason’
Justin Bieber assured fans he would get better and his face would go back to normal with time. According to health experts, prompt treatment with anti-viral medications helps reduce the risk of long-term complications from Ramsay Hunt, which can include permanent paralysis and hearing loss or deafness. The neurological condition affects an estimated five in every 100,000 Americans—usually older adults.
At the end of Friday’s video, Bieber thanked fans for their patience and prayers. “I have hope, and I trust God, and I trust that this is…all for a reason,” he said. “And I’m not sure what that is right now, but in the meantime, I’m gonna rest. I love you guys. Peace.”
