FP Community Reacts to Justin Bieber Comments

June 23, 2022

On 10^th June, Justin Bieber shared a heartfelt video to tell his fans that he had facial paralysis as a result of Ramsay Hunt Syndrome. While many supported him and wished him a speedy recovery, other responded with jokes, criticism and general negativity towards the 28-year-old singer.

We asked our community to tell us how they’d been affected by Justin’s announcement and the reactions to it on social media.

Many told us how much they empathised with Justin, having experienced facial paralysis themselves and knowing how frightening it can be. Corinne Wilson, who was only recently diagnosed with Bell’s palsy said:

‘I saw comments online regarding Justin Bieber and it was very upsetting to me. It took its toll on me emotionally and mentally. I’m not a fan of Justin but I felt so overwhelmed by the negative comments that I felt I needed to private message him on Instagram (I doubt he will ever see it) to wish him well in his recovery. I felt I needed to protect him and let him know he had my support. I was so overwhelmed by the negativity it brought me to tears.

‘I know how scared I felt when my face went droopy then to see so many horrible comments directed at a person experiencing the same yet worsening symptoms than my own, was sickening. How dare these uneducated, small minded people comment on a person’s medical condition, similar to my own. Most of these people wouldn’t have known what RHS was or how it feels for the ones who are dealing with it daily, how it impacts their lives.’

Carla Moore, who has had Bell’s palsy for over four years had a similar reaction:

‘I felt worried for Justin Bieber as they were tearing him apart and making fun. There was no understanding of how life changing it is and the horror when you first experience facial palsy. It brought all those feelings back. It reminded me of my experience having to go back to work with a partial paralysis in school with some kids laughing at me as I spoke. I’ve since left the school.

‘My feelings were quite muddled between feeling very concerned for Justin, as well as anger at the public reaction and increasing my own self-consciousness.

‘I think it’s very difficult for people to imagine never being able to smile again or express themselves properly. The loss of one’s old self and accepting the new. It’s hard enough to do, but knowing so many make judgements on one based on how you move your face makes it harder.’

Plenty of others were angered by the comments, even from their own friends and family:

‘A friend’s sister posted a meme with his face saying something like….my face when they say trust the science”. I had to use every bit of will in my body not to message her saying it’s offensive. Could easily be my face on that meme. I don’t know her very well so didn’t feel I could say anything…’ – Instagram User

‘As a parent of a nearly 12yo with FP I’ve been so mad seeing comments and laughing emojis on news articles but today it’s gone too far. Someone on my friends list has just shared a pic of Justin Bieber making fun. I won’t share my post in response to what I’ve seen as I haven’t held back in my words.’ – HH

‘I was genuinely shocked when I saw the hate -filled comments in response to a news story. And of course as a person with facial palsy it angered me so much. I haven’t been back and actually feel prouder and stronger to be part of a unique group of very special resilient people. We have had to deal with something these attackers can’t even begin to imagine.’ – AO

‘Absolutely disgusted at the memes. Have pulled people up in it. Even had to make a post asking people to stop and would they say all of that to my half paralysed face. The memes disappeared!!’ – KC

Others felt that the negative comments had made them feel more self-conscious about their own facial palsy and how people might react:

‘After reading through some of those comments, I felt even more anxious about going out than usual. It brought up some trauma.’ – DB

‘People are very cruel. It does trigger hurtful emotions – of my experiences with FP – part of my everyday life – battling ignorance x’ – BK

Some suggested that they had actively avoided looking at the comments because they knew they would be upsetting:

‘I haven’t read the comments yet because I know they will be bound to make my blood boil. Just haters needing to find something to hate, and appearance is SO important to such people.’ – CD

‘I had to stop reading the comments, as the hurtful ones were starting to get to me. Definitely “triggering” to read them.’ – EV

‘I have tried to shy away from them as it retriggers the trauma for me and I’m a psychotherapist and I’m well aware of what’s happening to me and to others with FP. When ppl are cruel, ignorant and hurtful it impacts the person’s feelings and how they perceive themselves. We already have very fragile egos due to our experiences of FP, we don’t need more impact.’ – MD

Some of the negative comments suggested that Justin’s condition is a result of prior drug and alcohol abuse or suggested that he looked drunk – a common misconception that people with facial palsy have to contend with.

‘I’ve seen several people make jokes about how he looks drunk. It’s really hurtful when you have the same symptoms. I’m very self-conscious about my facial palsy and seeing it turned into a joke is really not okay. I think people just don’t understand how devastating facial palsy is.’ – RB

‘People blaming drugs reveal the ignorance and trolling culture on the Internet. It’s a problem that affects everyone online. I’m glad he went public and I hope it can help more people who are suffering, as well as to educate the public and medical professionals. Most comments I’ve seen have been supportive and that warms my heart. The negative ones are annoying, as always.’ – LM

‘The judgement around his earlier lifestyle choices is pretty annoying. Poor guy has had lime disease, glandular fever, COVID and now RH. None of which are connected to drugs or alcohol. His face and voice are his career. I really feel for him.’ – CW

Many also noted how much harder it is to accept your new face in the wake of negative comments:

‘When you live with RHS or any other facial paralysis, it is extremely difficult accepting the new way you look, it may take years, or you may never accept it. Reading jokes and seeing pictures that people think is funny is hard, but what is even harder is seeing how many people laugh, like and join in the “joke”. I’ve witnessed first-hand people’s ignorance as I have been the target of abuse because of how I look, so how must that young man be feeling.’ – AB

‘Can’t believe some people can be so cruel. You can live a full and fulfilling life with a facial palsy, I’ve had mine for over 12 years, but it takes time to accept the “new you” and insensitive, unthoughtful comments make it harder.’ – SH

‘Initially when I saw that he had been diagnosed I was pleased that this will now get more recognition as an illness. I went on to look at the comments, searching for a hoard of people that might be feeling the same way as me, only to be met with people commenting on his appearance in a derogatory manner. I now steer clear from any articles or social media posts about it as I do not want to see the negativity surrounding it. The impact Bell’s palsy has had on myself has itself made my self-confidence dive but for him to be met with such criticism online over something he cannot control must be absolutely heart wrenching. I was beginning to become more confident with my new face, and now I wonder what people think when they look at me. Be kind.’ – NN

If you’ve been affected by Justin Bieber’s announcement or the reactions to it and need support, please contact us.