Singer Ray J performed a Valentine’s Day concert in Shreveport, Louisiana, while appearing to experience medical distress, including what appeared to be blood streaming from his eyes, prompting concern from fans and questions about the authenticity of the display.
Videos circulating online from the February 14th performance present the “Love & Hip-Hop: Hollywood” star handing out roses to the audience as a red liquid ran down his face. He later removed the top of his orange jumpsuit, revealing a medical port or device on his chest. Ray J, whose full name is William Ray Norwood Jr., addressed the crowd, stating, “Hey, y’all, we perfectly fine. Ain’t nobody sick. Look at me, I’m fine,” according to reports.
The performance comes weeks after Ray J was hospitalized for severe pneumonia and a critical heart condition, and after he publicly discussed his health struggles. In late January, he told TMZ he was under doctor’s orders for bed rest and avoiding drugs and alcohol, attributing his heart problems to years of heavy substance apply. He stated his heart was functioning at only 25%, though he also mentioned a 60% figure in other statements, potentially referring to his heart’s ejection fraction.
However, questions arose regarding the veracity of the on-stage display. Tommy Nard II of Nard Multimedia Group, who was backstage at the concert, told Shreveport news station KTAL that the blood was fake. “He loves the camera. He loves the attention,” Nard said, claiming he witnessed Ray J applying the fake blood before going on stage. A concertgoer also told KTAL they were “very concerning to see blood, what appeared to be blood, coming from his eyes.”
Ray J had previously stated that doctors had warned him he might demand a pacemaker or defibrillator soon, and he was scheduled for a follow-up checkup over the weekend of February 15-16. He had expressed gratitude for the prayers he received during his recent hospitalization, saying in a January 25th video, “I wish to thank everyone for praying for me.”
In an Instagram story posted Monday, Ray J shared the quote: “‘If you want to know who your real friends & family are, lose your job, get sick, or go through hard times. You’ll see clearly.’” A representative for Ray J did not immediately respond to a request for comment from the Los Angeles Times.
