Footage capturing Céline Dion experiencing a seizure has reemerged on the internet, sparking renewed concerns for the Canadian singer.
In 2024, Dion released her documentary, I Am: Celine Dion, on Prime Video.
The documentary’s synopsis states: “Directed by Academy Award nominee Irene Taylor, I Am: Celine Dion provides a raw and honest behind-the-scenes look at the iconic superstar’s struggle with a life-altering illness.”
Two years before the documentary’s release, Dion disclosed her diagnosis with Stiff Person Syndrome (SPS), a rare disorder affecting only one to two individuals per million.
According to the Cleveland Clinic, SPS results in muscle stiffness and painful spasms.
Though there is no cure, treatments are available to help manage the debilitating symptoms of the condition.
Within her documentary, Dion openly discussed her illness and permitted filmmakers to capture a moment when she experienced a ‘crisis’ seizure.
The emotional footage showed the 57-year-old lying down, crying as her body shook, with a nurse providing comfort.
This segment has been circulated on Twitter, prompting discussions about whether such a personal moment should have been recorded.
One user remarked: “I don’t think this should have been documented, what’s the intention behind it?”
Another commented: “Why publish someone’s vulnerable and confidential moment like this… this is invading her privacy.”
Many on social media have described the footage as ‘heartbreaking’.
Warning: Some viewers may find the following clip distressing:
However, commentators who expressed concern were reminded that Dion chose to include the scene in her documentary to raise awareness about SPS.
One individual wrote: “She controlled the film and did it for all out there who may have this horrific, difficult to diagnose, life-altering disease.”
“I recommend that everyone watch it. It’s difficult to sit through, but it is raw and honest, and she deserves respect. It’s a miracle she can sing again,” they continued.
Another person added: “Awareness is the intention. It should be published, and people need to be aware of such diseases.”
In response to a separate Twitter user questioning the video’s release, one person said: “She wants to raise awareness. Let’s be honest, many of us had never heard of this before. She’s brave for doing this. It’s not easy but important.”