Lil Nas X, the chart-topping, boundary-breaking rapper, was unexpectedly hospitalized this week after suffering what appears to be a sudden onset of facial paralysis. The 26-year-old shared the news with fans directly from a hospital bed, posting a selfie video on Instagram (April 14) that showed a clear lack of movement on the right side of his face — his eye wider than usual and his smile visibly drooping.

“This is me doing a full smile right now,” he explained, as his mouth twisted unevenly. “It’s like, what the f—? I can’t even laugh right, bro.”

Lil Nas X reveals he’s lost control of the right side of his face. pic.twitter.com/qSBc7cEs3U

— Pop Base (@PopBase) April 15, 2025

The clip quickly went viral, not just for the shocking reveal but also because of Lil Nas X’s signature mix of humor and honesty. Despite the alarming visuals, he remained composed, joking through his obvious discomfort and trying to reassure fans.

“Guys I am OK!! Stop being sad for me! Shake ur a** for me instead!” he wrote later on Instagram Stories, echoing the irreverent tone that’s defined his public persona.

so glad he’s ok. @LilNasX pls take care of urself 🫂🤍 pic.twitter.com/C8YNCZUqzE

— emma💞| HOTBOX SEASON (@montisking) April 15, 2025

While the singer hasn't confirmed a formal diagnosis, many observers and even medical professionals have speculated that the symptoms point to Bell’s palsy — a temporary form of facial paralysis caused by inflammation of the facial nerve.

According to the Mayo Clinic, Bell’s palsy typically affects only one side of the face and can result in drooping features, an inability to close the eye, or difficulty smiling. The exact cause of the condition is unknown, but it’s believed to be triggered by viral infections like herpes simplex or stress-related immune responses. Most patients begin to recover within a few weeks, although full recovery can take months in some cases.

This kind of health scare, while rare, has precedent among high-profile entertainers. Justin Bieber made headlines in 2022 after revealing he had been diagnosed with Ramsay Hunt syndrome — a more severe condition that also causes facial paralysis but stems from the varicella-zoster virus (the same virus responsible for chickenpox and shingles). Bieber posted similar videos showing an inability to move one side of his face and was forced to cancel several tour dates while undergoing treatment.

“As you can see, this eye is not blinking,” Bieber explained at the time. “I can't smile on this side of my face... so there's full paralysis on this side of my face."

Justin Bieber reveals half his face is paralyzed due to Ramsay Hunt syndrome pic.twitter.com/K31JCKjtbK

— Hot Freestyle (@HotFreestyle) June 10, 2022

Much like Bieber, Lil Nas X’s condition appears to have come on suddenly and without warning. One moment, he was enjoying a normal day, the next he was in a hospital bed with limited control over half his face. But unlike Bieber, whose tone during his announcement was far more somber, Lil Nas X leaned into levity. In one follow-up story, he jokingly accused his cat of “mocking” him and later posted a sun-soaked clip of himself rollerskating with a smile reminding fans that he’s still very much in high spirits.

For now, there’s no official word from his team about the exact diagnosis or prognosis. But the timeline of his recovery could range from a few weeks to several months, depending on the severity and underlying cause.