Source: Stacy Layne Matthews/Instagram

'Drag Race' Star Stacy Layne Matthews Hospitalized, 'Lost Control' of Her Legs

Kilian Melloy READ TIME: 2 MIN.

A spinal condition known as stenosis (a narrowing of the channel where the nerves are located) landed "Drag Race" star Stacy Layne Matthews in the hospital and forced the cancellation of a show.

"The franchise legend - who also returned to perform during a fan-favorite girl group challenge on 'All Stars' 4 - shared two videos over the weekend, outlining her bout with a spinal condition that forced her to pull out of a show in Arizona," Entertainment Weekly reported.

Matthews explained that she had flown to Flagstaff from Detroit, expecting to do a show. A medical crisis derailed those plans, however.

"When I got off the plane at Flagstaff, I literally lost control of my legs," the drag performer narrated from her hospital bed, wearing an oxygen cannula. "They've done a CT scan. I have spinal stenosis."

The condition can lead to pressure on the spinal cord - the bundle of nerves that connect the brain to the body - and cause pain and loss of function. Spinal stenosis is most common in the cervical spine (the neck) and the lumbar spine (lower back).

Fans were quick to extend their get well wishes.

"Prayers are being sent your way 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻" one person posted.

"Recover soon my love ❤️" another offered.

"sending love and a smooth speedy recovery!! 🙌💕" chimed in a third.

"It's affecting my legs," Matthews detailed, before offering her apoIogies to fans "that came to the show in Flagstaff. They expected to see me, but I wasn't there."

Fellow drag artist Lushious Massacr commented, "FEEL BETTER SOON SISTER!"

Another fellow artist, Neon Calypso, added a string of emojis that conveyed her supportive sentiments: "❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️🙏🙏🙏🙏"

Best wishes for a speedy recovery!


by Kilian Melloy , EDGE Staff Reporter

Kilian Melloy serves as EDGE Media Network's Associate Arts Editor and Staff Contributor. His professional memberships include the National Lesbian & Gay Journalists Association, the Boston Online Film Critics Association, The Gay and Lesbian Entertainment Critics Association, and the Boston Theater Critics Association's Elliot Norton Awards Committee.

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