Toni Braxton Opens Up About Her Struggle to Conceal Her Lupus Diagnosis

Toni Braxton Says She Worked Hard to Hide Her Lupus Diagnosis

Toni Braxton. Dia Dipasupil/WireImage

Toni Braxton revealed the challenges she faced in receiving a lupus diagnosis and the reasons behind her decision to keep it private.

On the "SHE MD" podcast episode aired on Tuesday, April 16, the 56-year-old singer confessed, "I tried my best to keep it hidden for a long time. I felt ashamed, especially as a performer, so I downplayed it."

Braxton shared that her management advised her to keep her lupus diagnosis a secret. Lupus, as defined by The Mayo Clinic, is a condition where the body's immune system attacks its own tissues and organs.

She explained, "People tend to be wary of sick celebrities. I also had trouble getting insurance. After my diagnosis, I struggled to find work because no one wanted to risk having me on stage. They were worried about what would happen if I collapsed and the insurance implications."

Due to these concerns, Braxton had difficulty finding opportunities to work initially.

Braxton admitted she lived for a decade without receiving a formal diagnosis for lupus. At first, she believed her symptoms, such as "high blood pressure" and "body pain," were due to the challenges of being a new mother. Braxton, who has two children, Denim (22) and Diezel (21), with her ex-husband Keri Lewis, mentioned that she felt like no one could understand her and even felt like a hypochondriac.

Toni Braxton Says She Worked Hard to Hide Her Lupus Diagnosis

Toni Braxton performs onstage at State Farm Arena on March 09, 2024. Paras Griffin/Getty Images

She expressed frustration, "It's like I'm just saying, 'I don't feel well,' and no one is listening. Lupus doesn't have a visible look to it. We often try to hide our struggles and pretend we're okay, especially as mothers and women."

Braxton reflected on her mental health declining, admitting, "We rarely discuss mental health. It had a significant impact on me. I experienced chronic anxiety that only intensified."

Braxton expressed her hope that by being open about her experiences, she could serve as an advocate for others. She emphasized that there is nothing to be ashamed of when it comes to discussing health issues like lupus.

During the 8th Annual Lupus LA Bag Ladies Luncheon in 2010, Braxton bravely disclosed her own battle with lupus. While accepting a Women in Achievement award, she shared with the audience that she wanted to speak out as a survivor to inspire hope and raise awareness about the reality of living with lupus.

Editor's P/S:

Toni Braxton's candidness about her lupus diagnosis and its impact on her life is both inspiring and sobering. Her fear of public scrutiny and the insurance implications it posed are understandable, yet it underscores the stigma and challenges faced by those with chronic illnesses. Braxton's experience highlights the need for greater awareness and understanding of lupus, as well as the importance of seeking support and advocating for one's health.

Braxton's assertion that "we often try to hide our struggles and pretend we're okay, especially as mothers and women" resonates deeply. Society often places pressure on women to prioritize their responsibilities over their own well-being, leading to a culture of silence around health issues. By sharing her story, Braxton empowers others to break this cycle and seek the help they need. Her advocacy for mental health awareness is equally crucial, as the emotional toll of chronic illness can be significant and often overlooked.