Rapper Lil Nas X spoke out in a video on Instagram after he lost control of the right side of his face, explaining his current struggles with facial paralysis.
He appeared to be in good spirits in a short video posted Monday, seemingly filmed from a hospital bed. In the caption, the two-time Grammy winner—real name Montero Lamar Hill—said he had “lost control of the right side of my face,” but didn’t share any additional details about the cause or nature of the condition.
He joked in the clip and demonstrated how one side of his face had become immobile. “I can’t even laugh right, bro,” he said, flashing a crooked smile for the camera.
You can hear what he said in the video below.
Many sent the performer their well wishes and some even shared their own experiences with the condition, likely attributed to Bell's palsy.
Facial paralysis occurs when the facial nerve is damaged, leading to weakness or loss of movement on one or both sides of the face. The condition can range from partial to complete and may be temporary or permanent.
Common causes include infections, trauma, or stroke—but in some cases, like Bell’s palsy, the exact cause remains unknown. Diagnosis typically involves a physical exam where a healthcare provider may ask patients to perform expressions like raising eyebrows, smiling, or closing their eyes. Imaging tests such as MRI, CT scans, or EMG may also be used to determine the cause.
Treatment varies based on the underlying issue. If paralysis is due to a stroke, treatment will target stroke recovery. Tumor-related cases may require surgery, while Bell’s palsy is often managed with medication and facial exercises.
In many cases, facial paralysis can’t be prevented—especially when it results from sudden trauma or underlying conditions like stroke. With Bell’s palsy, symptoms often appear without warning, making it difficult to predict or avoid.
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