Justin Bieber reveals facial paralysis; fate of Indian gig uncertain
After postponing a string of gigs, Grammy awardwinning singer Justin Bieber revealed that he is battling a “serious virus”, which has paralysed half his face. The 28-yearold took to Instagram to share a health update with fans after postponing three shows in Toronto (Canada) and DC (USA) as part of his 2022 Justice World Tour.
In the video, he shared: “I have this syndrome called Ramsay Hunt syndrome, and it is from this virus that attacks the nerves in my ear and my facial nerves and has caused my face to have paralysis. As you can see, this eye is not blinking.”
He continued, before blinking his other eye, “I can’t smile with this side of my face. This nostril will not move, so there is full paralysis on this side of my face.” Bieber also revealed that he has been having difficulty eating and asked that his fans pray for him. The Peaches hitmaker addressed his fans who were “frustrated” about the postponement of his gigs too: “I’m physically, obviously not capable of doing them. I wish this wasn’t the case, but obviously, my body is telling me I’ve got to slow down and I hope you guys understand.”
His calendar has over 11 shows this month, which are presumed to be on hold or potentially postponed.
It also brings the shadow of uncertainty to his planned India gig in October as part of the Justice World Tour. No official statement about his India tour has been received yet.
Ramsay Hunt syndrome is a neurological disorder characterised by paralysis of the facial nerve. It sometimes causes ringing in the ears or tinnitus and hearing loss. According to Mayo Clinic, it is caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox. It states that the hearing loss and facial paralysis associated with the syndrome are temporary. But, they can become permanent.