Justin Bieber reveals he has facial paralysis from Ramsay Hunt syndrome
Justin Bieber has revealed the reason for cancelling two Toronto concerts earlier this week, previously only referred to as a persistent illness.
In a video posted to TikTok and Instagram on Friday, Bieber updated fans on his condition explaining that he has partial facial paralysis due to Ramsay Hunt syndrome, affecting the nerves in his ear and face.
He goes on to demonstrates how his right eyelid and nostril are immobile and how he cannot smile with the right side of his mouth.
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“For those who are frustrated by my cancellations of the next shows, I’m just physically obviously not capable of doing them,” he said in the video. “This is pretty serious as you can see. I wish this wasn’t the case but obviously my body’s telling me I have to slow down and I hope you guys understand.”
The Canadian pop star thanked fans for being patient with him and assured them he will get better, but there is no current timeline for recovery.
“It’s going to be ok and I have hope and I trust God and I trust that this is all for a reason — not sure what that is right now but in the mean time, I’m going to rest and I love you guys,” he said.
According to New York’s Mount Sinai health system resource, Ramsay Hunt syndrome is a painful rash seen mostly in adults that occurs when the varicella-zoster virus infects a nerve in the head. It is the same virus that causes chickenpox and shingles.
Recovery can take a few weeks or longer if the damage is more severe.
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Bieber was scheduled to play Scotiabank Arena on Tuesday and Wednesday as part of his Justice world tour — dates which were already delayed twice due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Originally he was scheduled to perform in Toronto in 2020 as part of The Changes Tour, which revolved around an album he released that year.
Then those dates were pushed into 2021 before they were bumped a second time into 2022. He played one of three Toronto shows in March with plans to return on June 7 and 8 before those dates were also cancelled.
With files from The Canadian Press
