Lil Nas X just turned his hospital bed into a stage, but this time, it's not a new music video; it's real life, and his face isn't exactly cooperating.
On Monday night, the "Old Town Road" hitmaker shocked fans when he posted a video from a hospital bed trying to smile, and only the left side of his face played along.
© GettyImages"Soooo lost control of the right side of my face 😭," Lil Nas X wrote in his Instagram caption, casually dropping the news. In the clip, Nas, real name Montero Lamar Hill, is clearly trying to keep things light. "And when I smile, this is me doing a full smile right now, by the way," he told fans while pointing at his half-smile with a mix of confusion and that signature Nas humor. "It's like, what the f–k, bro? I can't even laugh right, bro. What the f–k. Oh my God, oh my God, bro."
Fans Were Concerned, But Nas Had Jokes
Naturally, the internet spiraled into full panic mode, but Nas stayed cool. He later jumped on his Instagram Stories with a PSA for anyone planning to start a candlelight vigil. "Guys I am OK!! Stop being sad for me! Shake ur a*s for me instead!"
He followed up with a note that he might "look funny for a lil bit but that's it."
Nas didn't say exactly why his face froze, but fans immediately started speculating conditions like Bell's palsy or facial nerve inflammation. These conditions can cause temporary paralysis or weakness in one side of the face. They're usually not permanent, but they definitely require rest, treatment, and time.
He's in high spirits, getting medical care, and clearly still has his sense of humor intact, even if his right cheek isn't moving.
Celebs Flooded His Comments With Love
Famous friends came through in the comments with support and solid advice. "Get well baby," Taraji P. Henson wrote. "Sometimes your body tells you to sit down somewhere. Rest up," Wanda Sykes added.
"This happened to my mom. Hot compress several times a day helps wonders," Niecy Nash assured.
The Internet Reacts: "Not the Face Freeze!"
X and TikTok lit up with reactions. Some were heartbroken, others sent prayers, and, of course, some made memes. Overall, fans were just grateful he shared his experience and reassured everyone he was okay.
© FilmMagicLil Nas X hasn't revealed how long he'll be out of commission, but if history has taught us anything, it's that this man knows how to bounce back and probably with a bop about it, too. Don't be surprised if his next single has a lyric about smiling with one side of his face and still slaying.
