American rapper Lil Nas X is currently recovering after experiencing sudden facial paralysis, which left him unable to move the right side of his face.
The artist, whose real name is Montero Lamar Hill, shared a candid update from a hospital room via Instagram, showing himself attempting to smile.
“This is me doing a full smile right now,” he said, noting that one side of his face wasn’t cooperating. “I can’t even laugh right,” he quipped.
In a series of follow-ups, he reassured his fans of his recovery and urged them not to worry, writing, “Stop being sad,” before joking, “Shake ur ass for me instead!”
Despite his condition, Lil Nas X kept the mood light, admitting, “I’mma look funny for a lil bit but that’s it.”
Well-wishers quickly flooded the comment section with supportive messages. Celebrities, including Taraji P. Henson, Shirley Manson, and Wanda Sykes, sent their love, with Sykes advising him to take the cue and rest.
While he has not confirmed the cause, fans suggested it could be Bell’s Palsy or Ramsay Hunt Syndrome—both nerve-related conditions that temporarily affect facial movement and can be triggered by stress or infections.
Artists like Justin Bieber and Tulisa have battled similar conditions in the past, with Bieber even pausing his tour in 2022 after being diagnosed with Ramsay Hunt Syndrome.
Before his health setback, Lil Nas X had been promoting Days Before Dreamboy, a new EP leading up to his anticipated sophomore album.
He previously described the project’s creation as emotionally draining, admitting in a radio interview that he had lost himself by trying to fit into people’s expectations.
The rapper also revealed that he had turned down a chance to work with Taylor Swift recently, saying he couldn’t connect creatively with the track she proposed.