Photo: Getty Images
Ray J's mother is speaking out amid all the chatter about her son's health.
During a recent livestream, Sonja Bates-Norwood told her followers that Ray J's heart issues are very real. She confirmed that the "One Wish" singer was hospitalized in January for pneumonia and heart pains after he suffered from "severe chest pain." While he was there, doctors conducted tests and formally diagnosed him with cardiomyopathy, a disease that makes it difficult for the heart to pump blood throughout the body. She called the condition "life-threatening" and emphasized that he now has "new limitations" on his personal life and career.
“It's just really gotten out of hand when someone thinks that my son is faking his health, or it's a hoax, or he's just playing around, [and] he's not really serious about it,” Norwood explained. “All of you who have been genuinely concerned about him and genuinely prayed for him, I want to say I thank you very much for that, because it takes multiple prayers and thoughts for things to change.”
After he came home from the hospital, Ray J told fans that his doctors estimated that he had just months left to live. While on Instagram Live, the seasoned singer claimed that medical professionals determined that his heart only beats at 25 percent. He had several tests done, including X-rays and an echocardiogram. He also said the right side of his heart was black. Later on, he reflected on all the drugs and alcohol he consumed, which he believes led to his medical issues.
"2027 is going to be a wrap for me," the R&B singer revealed during his livestream. "That's what the doctors said.. I shouldn’t have went this hard, bro. I shouldn’t have went that hard. And then, when it’s all done, burn me. Don’t bury me.”
Fans started to question the seriousness of his condition after Ray J performed at a concert with blood under his eyes. A photographer claimed that the blood was fake and alleged that he saw him apply it to his face. His manager clarified that the blood may have been part of the performance but his heart monitor is very real. In fact, Ray J pleaded with a fan to return the heart monitor after it was stolen from him during his performance.