What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
Several well-known people have spoken publicly about living with lupus, including Selena Gomez, Toni Braxton, Nick Cannon, Seal, Kristen Johnston, Shannon Boxx, Maurissa Tancharoen, Halsey and Paula Abdul. Their accounts differ—and the available reporting is not equally detailed for every name—so these stories are best understood as individual experiences, not a guide to what lupus looks like for everyone.
What lupus is—and why these stories differ
Lupus is an autoimmune disease that can cause inflammation and affect multiple body systems. Symptoms and severity vary: some people have more limited symptoms, while others experience serious organ involvement. A University of Colorado lupus specialist emphasized that the disease can present differently from person to person. ABC News Australia and CBS News also describe lupus and its potential effects.
9 celebrities who have spoken about lupus
1. Selena Gomez
The singer and actor publicly disclosed that she had lupus and had undergone chemotherapy, as ABC News reported in 2015. ABC News Australia later reported that she received a kidney transplant in 2017 as a result of lupus.
2. Toni Braxton
The singer told CBS News in 2023 that she had been diagnosed with systemic lupus about 15 years earlier. She described complications involving her kidneys, skin, hair, heart and other vital organs. Those are details of Braxton’s own experience, not a prediction of what another person with lupus will face.
Recommended Free Tools
3. Nick Cannon
Entertainer Nick Cannon was diagnosed in 2012, according to Healthline. The report says he experienced severe symptoms, including kidney failure and blood clots in his lung.
4. Seal
Singer-songwriter Seal has discoid lupus, a form associated with the skin, according to Healthline, which also describes facial scarring. Discoid lupus should not be conflated with systemic lupus.
5. Kristen Johnston
Actor Kristen Johnston has described a diagnosis of lupus myelitis, a form affecting the spinal cord. Healthline reports that she later achieved remission.
6. Shannon Boxx
The Lupus Foundation of America says Olympic soccer player Shannon Boxx was diagnosed in 2007 and continued her soccer career while living with lupus. She has also advocated for awareness. In a statement quoted by the foundation, Boxx said, “I think if people can see that I’m playing soccer while dealing with all of these symptoms and stressors, it gives hope that you can stay active while living with lupus.” Read the Lupus Foundation of America profile.
7. Maurissa Tancharoen
Television writer and producer Maurissa Tancharoen has shared an account of living with lupus. A Lupus Foundation of America profile describes complications involving her kidneys, lungs and central nervous system. These are her reported experiences, not a description of every case. Read the foundation’s profile.
8. Halsey
The Greater Ohio Chapter of the Lupus Foundation of America reported that singer Halsey announced having lupus in 2024. The chapter linked the disclosure with Halsey’s song “The End” and a donation to the Lupus Research Alliance. The chapter’s celebrity listing is the source for this account.
9. Paula Abdul
Singer and television personality Paula Abdul appears on the Greater Ohio Chapter of the Lupus Foundation of America’s list of celebrities associated with lupus. The passage names her but does not give diagnosis details or a personal account, so the available source supports only that limited statement. See the chapter’s listing.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Why celebrity lupus lists can be misleading
Being mentioned alongside lupus is not the same as having a confirmed diagnosis. Lady Gaga, for example, is sometimes included in celebrity lists, but she said in a 2010 Larry King interview, “So, as of right now, I do not have it. But I have to take good care of myself.” CBS News also reported that she had tested borderline positive, had no symptoms and did not have lupus at that time. Healthline’s list includes her, while CBS News’ 2010 report provides that important qualification.
Best Value
- Sufficient Quantity: Package includes 64 pieces cancer awareness bracelets, designed in 8 styles, 8 pieces for each style, so that you can easily match different costumes and occasions. Whether worn daily or given as a gift to friends and relatives, the rubber bracelets can meet your needs
- Good Quality Material: These purple ribbon awareness bracelets are made of good quality silicone material, which is soft and comfortable to the touch and will not cause irritation to the skin. Ribbon cancer awareness bracelets also have good elasticity and abrasionproof, and the cancer awareness bracelets are not easy to deform or fade after being worn for a long time, ensuring that the rubber bracelets always remains beautiful and durable
- Purple Ribbon Awareness Theme: These cancer awareness bracelets are designed in purple, white and black, including ribbons, butterflies, ribbon wings, ribbon heart and other elements, and inspirational slogans such as "NO ONE FIGHTS ALONE", "CHANGE BEGINS WITH AWARENESS" and "SURVIVOR", which can not only show your personality and taste, but also show your support for patients with diseases
- Suitable Size: The circumference of each purple ribbon awareness bracelets is about 8 inches /20.2 cm, and the width is about 0.47 inches /1.2 cm. This size is very suitable for most people's wrists, and the soft material of cancer awareness bracelets are flexible,fit different wrist sizes
- Widely Used: These alzheimers bracelet can not only be used as fashion accessories, but also as awareness-raising activities, team activities or as gifts, which can improve people's awareness of diseases such as Alzheimer's disease, domestic violence, epilepsy, lupus, Crohn and pancreatic cancer
How common is lupus?
In a 2024 explainer, ABC News Australia reported estimates of about 1.5 million people living with lupus in the United States, 25,000 in Australia and 5 million worldwide; it also reported that nine in 10 patients are female. These are figures as reported by that outlet, which cited external health organizations. See its explainer.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
