Justin Bieber Reveals He's Been Diagnosed With Ramsay Hunt Syndrome, Which Causes Facial Paralysis (UPDATE)

The 28-year-old artist shared the news on social media Friday, after he was forced to cancel a number of tour dates: "My body is telling me I got to slow down."

Justin Bieber arrives for the 64th Annual Grammy Awards
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Canadian singer-songwriter Justin Bieber arrives for the 64th Annual Grammy Awards at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on April 3, 2022. (Photo by ANGELA WEISS / AFP) (Photo by ANGELA WEISS/AFP via Getty Images)

Justin Bieber arrives for the 64th Annual Grammy Awards

UPDATED 7/19, 7:00 p.m. ET: Justin Bieber is set to resume touring on July 31 with an appearance at Lucca Summer Festival in Italy​​​​​​​.

Outside of Europe, the Justice singer will also be performing in South America, South Africa, the Middle East, Asia, Australia, and New Zealand. You can head to his website to see all tour dates and locations. 

No word yet on Bieber’s North American tour dates, which were postponed back in June following his Ramsay Hunt syndrome diagnosis.

UPDATED  6/17, 12:45 p.m. ET: Justin Bieber’s remaining North American tour dates have been postponed. The news arrives just days after the singer informed fans that he was diagnosed with Ramsay Hunt syndrome.

“In light of Justin’s ongoing recovery, the remaining U.S. tour shows scheduled for June and early July will be postponed,” a post from the Justice Tour’s IG account reads, which you can read below. The message continued, “Justin continues to receive the best medical care possible, is upbeat about his recovery, and is looking forward to getting back out on the road and performing for his fans overseas later this summer.”

Refunds will be offered. 

UPDATED  6/13, 11:06 p.m. ET: Justin Bieber took to his Instagram Stories on Monday to update fans on his health condition. 

“Wanted to share a little bit of how I’ve been feelin,” Bieber wrote a few days after informing fans that he was diagnosed with Ramsay Hunt syndrome. “Each day has gotten better and through all of the discomfort I have found comfort in the one who designed me and knows me. I’m reminded he knows all of me. He know the darkest parts of me that I want no one to know about and he constantly welcomes me into his loving arms. This perspective has give me peace during this horrific storm that I’m facing.”

Bieber continued, “I know this storm will pass but in the meantime Jesus is with me.”

Justin Bieber shares update on his health

​​​​​​See original story below.

Justin Bieber is asking fans for their prayers.

The 28-year-old singer took to Instagram on Friday to reveal he has been diagnosed with Ramsay Hunt syndrome, a rare neurological disorder that can cause facial paralysis. Bieber shared the news just days after he was forced to postpone a number of tour dates, citing health concerns.

“It is from this virus that attacks the nerve in my ear—my facial nerves—and has caused by face to have paralysis,” he said in a nearly three-minute video.

Bieber pointed out that the right side of his face was unable to move, as he could only smile and blink on the left side.

“So for those who are frustrated by my cancelations of the next shows, I’m just physically, obviously, not capable of doing them,” he continued. “This is pretty serious, as you can see. I wish this wasn’t the case, but, obviously, my body is telling me I gotta slow down.”

Bieber went on to say that he would now spend his time resting so he can get back to doing “what I was born to do.” He also reassured fans that his face would “go back to normal,” and that he’s been doing facial exercises during the recovery process.

“I’m gonna get better [...] We don’t know how much time it’s gonna be, but it’s gonna 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 meantime, I’m gonna rest. I love you guys.”

You can hear Bieber’s full message below.

According to the Mayo Clinic, RHS is a complication from the varicella-zoster virus, the same virus that causes shingles and chickenpox. Symptoms include rashes around the face, hearing loss, as well as one-sided facial paralysis. Though RHS can cause permanent nerve damage, it typically takes about three weeks to fully recover. The condition is mostly seen in adults over 60, and is rarely experienced by children.

In 2020, Bieber revealed he had been diagnosed with Lyme disease as well as “a serious case of chronic mono.” His wife, Hailey Bieber, defended the singer against online trolls who didn’t take the diagnosis seriously.

“For those who are trying to downplay the severity of Lyme disease. Please do your research and listen to the stories of people who have suffered with it for years,” Hailey tweeted. “Making fun of and belittling a disease you don’t understand is never the way, all it takes is educating yourself.”

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