The surviving members of TLC – Tionne “T-Boz” Watkins and Rozonda “Chilli” Thomas – were forced to cancel this weekend’s show after T-Boz was hospitalized. Although they initially suspected food poisoning, it ended up being much more serious.
TCL shared a statement on its Instagram account on Saturday (August 24) explaining what happened. It reads in part: “After a fantastic show in Toledo, Ohio on Thursday, TLC were eagerly anticipating their next stop at the New York State Fair in Syracuse. However, shortly after arriving in Syracuse, Tionne ‘T-Boz’ Watkins suddenly developed severe nausea, vomiting and severe abdominal cramps. She was immediately checked by a doctor and subsequently taken to hospital for further evaluation.
“Last night, Tion was diagnosed with a severe abdominal blockage that resulted in the cancellation of shows in Syracuse and Foxwoods. She remains in the hospital under medical supervision but is expected to be discharged tomorrow. Doctors confirmed it was not food Poisoning, but abdominal obstruction.
The statement went on to say that T-Boz deeply regretted the cancellation and said she would reschedule as soon as possible.
T-Boz has been living with sickle cell anemia, a genetic blood disorder, since birth. Sickle cell anemia causes red blood cells to become stiff and sickle-shaped, leading to a variety of health complications, including pain, infection, and organ damage. Despite the challenges of the disease, T-Boz remains open about his experience and has become an advocate for raising awareness and support for the impact of the disease.
TLC is one of the best-selling girl groups of all time, originally consisting of T-Boz, Chilli and Lisa “Left Eye” Lopes. Their albums, including CrazySexyCool and FanMail, spawned hits such as “Waterfalls,” “No Scrubs” and “Creep,” cementing their place in music history.
The organization faced a devastating loss when Left Eye died in a car accident on April 25, 2002, while on a spiritual retreat in Honduras. Despite this loss, TLC continues to honor Left Eye’s legacy and her influence remains an integral part of their identity.
