Tejal Somvanshi
Did Celine Dion hurt herself in her fall onstage in Paris? She got back up within seconds, gave a thumbs-up and kept singing. Video shows her trouser leg appearing to catch on a heel, and no medical cause has been reported. Here is what happened and how her Stiff Person Syndrome fits in.
Celine Dion, 58, fell onstage on Wednesday, October 7, midway through a song at her comeback Paris residency. She was performing in heels. She got up, gave a thumbs-up and continued singing. She later said she was fine. Dion was diagnosed in 2022 with Stiff Person Syndrome (SPS), a rare autoimmune neurological condition that causes muscle stiffness and spasms. Her return to the stage follows her performance at the Paris 2024 Olympic Opening Ceremony.
If you or someone you care for lives with SPS or another chronic neurological condition, one fall does not tell you much by itself. Reports describe this fall as a slip involving her outfit and a heel. Telling the two apart helps patients and caregivers manage worry, keep moving and stay with rehabilitation. No official explanation has attributed the fall to SPS.
According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, SPS causes stiff muscles in the torso, arms and legs. Sensitivity to noise, touch and emotional distress can set off muscle spasms. Video shows she stood back up within moments. neurological-health coverage
NINDS describes SPS as a rare, progressive neurological disorder. Paris culture coverage
guidance on chronic illness and exercise
What happened to Celine Dion in Paris? She fell on October 7 during her Paris residency show when her trousers appeared to catch on a heel. She got up within seconds, gave a thumbs-up and kept singing. No official explanation has linked the fall to Stiff Person Syndrome.
Celine Dion fell onstage in Paris in heels, got back up, and kept performing. No official explanation has attributed the fall to Stiff Person Syndrome. Check back for updates.
