Being diagnosed with a chronic condition like lupus can feel isolating, especially if you don’t know anyone else who has gone through it. The autoimmune condition can cause inflammation of the skin, heart, kidneys, lungs, joints, and other parts of the body. Side effects include overwhelming fatigue, skin rashes, chronic pain, fevers, kidney damage, heart problems, depression, and changes in weight.
Although The Lupus Foundation estimates that 1.5 million Americans live with some form of lupus, it’s not always talked about in mainstream media. Lupus is considered an “invisible illness,” meaning the symptoms don’t always manifest in a way you can see. This may lead others to underestimate and invalidate the severity of the condition, which can feel just as debilitating as the physical symptoms.
Fortunately, with celebrities like Selena Gomez, Toni Braxton, and Nick Cannon speaking out about their own diagnoses, more and more people are learning what it looks like to live with lupus. These celebs have all used their platforms to bring more attention to the condition, educating the public on how chronic illness affects their own lives, and how it impacts the lives of others. Ahead, check out seven celebrities who have shared their candid experiences with lupus.
– Additional reporting by Chandler Plante
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Kristen Johnston
In December 2013, Kristen Johnston revealed she was diagnosed with lupus myelitis, which is a form of transverse myelitis, a neurological disorder caused by inflammation of the spinal cord, according to Mayo Clinic.
She wrote on Facebook that she had been experiencing “[f]ull body muscle weakness” and needed a neck brace to keep her head up. Johnston said that it took four months, 17 doctors, and “2 fun-filled weeks in November partying at The Mayo Clinic” before she was finally diagnosed. Johnston later said her condition was so severe, it felt as though she was “swimming in molasses.” She treated her lupus with chemotherapy and steroids, and says she’s grateful her health has improved. “Every single day is a gift, and I don’t take one second of it for granted.”
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Paula Abdul
Although Paula Abdul says her lupus has been in remission for several years (thanks to lifestyle changes related to diet and movement), she previously dealt with rheumatoid lupus for well over a decade. Since then, she continues to speak out and educate her followers about lupus on social media. In 2023, she also attended Lupus LA’s “Stories Under The Stars” event, presenting an award and raising awareness about the condition. She also deals with rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis, finding reprieve in positivity and routine. “When I was diagnosed, I was like, ‘Oh my God, it’s finally caught up with me,'” she tells Parade, referencing her intense performing career. “But I don’t let this slow me down. I have a lot more living in me and a lot more performing that I want to do.”
Melanie Whyte was a contributing staff writer for POPSUGAR. Based in NYC, she writes about LGBTQ identity, sex and relationships, pop culture hot takes, mental health, and home improvement.
Chandler Plante is an assistant editor for POPSUGAR Health & Fitness. Previously, she worked as an editorial assistant for People magazine and contributed to Ladygunn, Millie, and Bustle Digital Group. In her free time, she overshares on the internet, creating content about chronic illness, beauty, and disability.
