Patti Smith has shared a health update after stopping a show due to health issues, saying she is "fine."
The 78-year-old was performing in Brazil with the Berlin-based group Soundwalk Collective when she collapsed, the Independent reported. Smith had been struggling with a migraine for several days before the show. According to the outlet, she fell ill about 30 minutes into the concert while reading a passage about climate change.
Soundwalk Collective shared a statement Wednesday explaining that Smith had "suffered from an intense migraine the past couple of days and had some dizziness on stage, but she still wanted to be there for all of us and you and perform today."
"She is now being cared for by the best doctors in the most loving way and will be back on stage tomorrow night," the statement read.
Passing on a message from Smith, the group wrote, "Patti says that she is tremendously grateful for your patience and forgiveness and she sends her love to all who attended."
Journalist Micheline Alves, who was seated near the front rows, described the moments before Smith halted the show.
"She clearly felt dizzy. She started moving backward and fell in a way — I think she tried to support herself on the microphone or the music stand. And everything fell on top of her. It was a bizarre scene," Alves told the Associated Press.
Smith however, posted a statement on Instagram saying that she was "fine" and that a "grossly exaggerated account is being spread by the press and social media."
"I had some post migraine dizziness. Had a small incident, left the stage, and returned 10 minutes later and talked to the people, told them I was fine and sang them 'Wing' and 'Because the Night,' she wrote.
"I was checked out by an excellent Doctor and was absolutely fine. Please do not accept any other story. With all the strife in the world, this explainable incident does not merit so much attention. Thank you everyone for your concern. Trust me I am fine."
Zoe Papadakis ✉
Zoe Papadakis is a Newsmax writer based in South Africa with two decades of experience specializing in media and entertainment. She has been in the news industry as a reporter, writer and editor for newspapers, magazine and websites.
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