Vybz Kartel Faces "Life-Threatening" Illness Behind Bars: Report

BYAron A.Published on June 02, 20234.6K Views

Vybz Kartel during The Official Welcome Back Concert - Backstage at Nassau Coliseum in New York City, New York, United States. (Photo by Johnny Nunez/WireImage)

The attorney for the dancehall star says that he needs immediate surgery.

In the midst of his attempt to overturn a life sentence, Vybz Kartel’s reportedly facing new challenges related to his health while behind bars. According to Fox 5 News, the dancehall legend’s attorney claims that his health is at risk due to a “life-threatening” illness. Isat Buchanan recently spoke to Kim Evers, explaining that Vybz Kartel's face and neck have swelled up immensely, claiming that he couldn’t “close the collar on his neck.” “His face is actually swollen. And one other thing. He always wears glasses; in this condition, that causes his eyes to protrude,” Buchanan said.

The issues with his eyes correspond with the symptoms of Graves disease – an autoimmune disorder spurred by an overactive thyroid. These symptoms can turn deadly if not addressed but Vybz’s illness has reportedly worsened due to the “inhumane” jail conditions. “Fighting for his life, yes, because it can be dangerous,” Buchanan said. “We do not want to get a phone call to say that because he was under this 23-hour lockdown, and unable to breathe, that he succumbed to his illness.”

Vybz Kartel’s Life-Threatening Illness

Adidja Jahiem Palmer, Vybz's son, confirmed the concerns surrounding his father's illness. However, Evers also obtained an affidavit from Vybz’s doctor, Dr. Karen Phillips, who confirmed his diagnosis of Graves disease and said that he required emergency surgery. His recent claims come a week after he confirmed Vybz’ illness to Urban Islandz. Buchanan explained that the Department of Corrections doesn’t have adequate facilities to care for an incarcerated persons health. He added that Vybz must pay for treatment out of his own pocket.

“To be placed under a 23-hour lockdown as an appellant given the state of his health is most unfortunate. His medical condition requires access to clean air. Breathing is essential to life that is common sense. It is inhumane punishment [to] execute this form of punishment on Mr. Palmer and others given the state of the prisons,” Buchanan added. Vybz Kartel is currently looking to appeal his life sentence for the murder of Clive “Lizard” Williams.”

About The Author

Aron A.

Aron A. is a features editor for HotNewHipHop. Beginning his tenure at HotNewHipHop in July 2017, he has comprehensively documented the biggest stories in the culture over the past few years. Throughout his time, Aron’s helped introduce a number of buzzing up-and-coming artists to our audience, identifying regional trends and highlighting hip-hop from across the globe. As a Canadian-based music journalist, he has also made a concerted effort to put spotlights on artists hailing from North of the border as part of Rise & Grind, the weekly interview series that he created and launched in 2021. Aron also broke a number of stories through his extensive interviews with beloved figures in the culture. These include industry vets (Quality Control co-founder Kevin "Coach K" Lee, Wayno Clark), definitive producers (DJ Paul, Hit-Boy, Zaytoven), cultural disruptors (Soulja Boy), lyrical heavyweights (Pusha T, Styles P, Danny Brown), cultural pioneers (Dapper Dan, Big Daddy Kane), and the next generation of stars (Lil Durk, Latto, Fivio Foreign, Denzel Curry). Aron also penned cover stories with the likes of Rick Ross, Central Cee, Moneybagg Yo, Vince Staples, and Bobby Shmurda.