What Happened to Vybz Kartel? Disease & Health Update

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As a long-time fan of Vybz Kartel and his electrifying dancehall rhythms, I can’t help but feel a mix of joy and concern upon learning about his release from prison. His music has been an integral part of my life, providing the soundtrack to countless moments of celebration, introspection, and everything in between.

Following an unexpected development, Jamaican dancehall musician Adidja Palmer, better known as Vybz Kartel, is now a free man after the court decided against ordering a retrial for his 2014 murder conviction. This release has ignited both wonder and worry among his fans about his wellbeing, as it was mentioned in court that he suffered from serious health issues. Now, let’s delve into the specific illness afflicting Vybz Kartel. Here are the details.

What disease does Vybz Kartel have?

Vybz Kartel is dealing with some serious health concerns such as thyroid troubles and heart complications, in addition to having been diagnosed with Graves’ Disease.

In May 2023, a medical affidavit obtained by FOX 5 disclosed the deteriorating health condition of Vybz Kartel. The doctors suggested an emergency operation due to worsening Graves’ Disease and heart complications. His personal doctor, Dr. Karen Phillips, had earlier recommended immediate surgery, highlighting that his thyroid disease hadn’t improved with medication. These health problems caused swelling in his neck and face, as well as bulging eyes, necessitating the frequent use of eyeglasses. Dr. Phillips underscored the urgency for prompt surgical intervention.

Kartel’s legal team stated, “At the moment, his neck appears significantly larger than a typical shirt collar of about 18.5 inches. This indicates the severity of his current situation. Additionally, his face is noticeably swollen. It’s also important to note that due to his condition, his glasses cause his eyes to bulge out.”

Since 2011, Kartel has been incarcerated due to his arrest linked to the murder of Clive “Lizard” Williams, although his body wasn’t discovered. In 2014, Kartel along with his co-defendants Shawn Campbell, Kahira Jones, and Andre St. John were found guilty in relation to a dispute over two missing firearms. Throughout his imprisonment, Kartel has faced numerous health issues exacerbated by what human rights lawyer Isat Buchanan referred to as “cruel” prison conditions.

In a recent judgment, the Jamaican Court of Appeal declined the request for a new trial for Kartel, reasoning that it was unnecessary for the sake of justice given the significant time elapsed since the crime, the scarcity of potential witnesses, and financial limitations. Notably, the U.K.’s Privy Council overturned Kartel’s murder conviction in March 2024 due to misconduct by jurors, who were suspected of being involved in a bribery attempt during the trial.

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2024-08-01 23:43