Jeannie Mai Gives Post-Surgery Update About Life-Threatening Throat Abscess

BY Erika Marie 3.4K Views
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Jeannie Mai, Illness, Surgery, Life-Threatening, Dancing With The Stars
She says she suffered a "dangerous infection" that "closed at least 60%" of her airway.

Rumors began to surface about what illness Jeannie Mai was battling after the talk show host dropped out of Dancing With The Stars. Jeannie was a formidable contender on the celebrity dancing series, but on Monday (November 2), it was announced that The Real host would be taking her final bow and backing out of the competition. We previously reported on the news about a life-threatening illness that caused concern and now Jeannie has taken to her Instagram to share a post-surgery health update.

"I would never imagine ever having to write this, but I made it safely out of my emergency surgery. I will be forever grateful to Dr. Nasseri who identified my potentially life-threatening condition," Jeannie wrote on Instagram. "What simply started as a sore throat had unbeknownst to me become a dangerous infection that already closed at least 60% of my airway and resulted in a throat abscess that spread in a matter of 3 days."

Jeannie Mai added that she's happy that she's "recovering safely," but she's disappointed that her "exhilarating adventure" on Dancing With The Stars had to end prematurely. "I've gained both beautiful friendships and loving supporters. To my partner, @Brandonarmstrong, I’m sorry you don't get to make fun of my moves anymore while I share my life gems on how to be a grown up," said Jeannie. She also encouraged her fans to continue watching the show. Check out her post in full below.

About The Author
Since 2019, Erika Marie has worked as a journalist for HotNewHipHop, covering music, film, television, art, fashion, politics, and all things regarding entertainment. With 20 years in the industry under her belt, Erika Marie moved from a writer on the graveyard shift at HNHH to becoming a Features Editor, highlighting long-form content and interviews with some of Hip Hop’s biggest stars. She has had the pleasure of sitting down with artists and personalities like DJ Jazzy Jeff, Salt ’N Pepa, Nick Cannon, Rah Digga, Rakim, Rapsody, Ari Lennox, Jacquees, Roxanne Shante, Yo-Yo, Sean Paul, Raven Symoné, Queen Naija, Ryan Destiny, DreamDoll, DaniLeigh, Sean Kingston, Reginae Carter, Jason Lee, Kamaiyah, Rome Flynn, Zonnique, Fantasia, and Just Blaze—just to name a few. In addition to one-on-one chats with influential public figures, Erika Marie also covers content connected to the culture. She’s attended and covered the BET Awards as well as private listening parties, the Rolling Loud festival, and other events that emphasize established and rising talents. Detroit-born and Long Beach (CA)-raised, Erika Marie has eclectic music taste that often helps direct the interests she focuses on here at HNHH. She finds it necessary to report on cultural conversations with respect and honor those on the mic and the hardworking teams that help get them there. Moreover, as an advocate for women, Erika Marie pays particular attention to the impact of femcees. She sits down with rising rappers for HNHH—like Big Jade, Kali, Rubi Rose, Armani Caesar, Amy Luciani, and Omerettà—to gain their perspectives on a fast-paced industry.