A representative for Ryan Seacrest today set the record straight about some fans’ concerns that the host may have suffered a stroke on Sunday night.
Fans were on Twitter during the finale of “American Idol” when they noticed that one of Seacrest’s eye seemed swollen, or bigger, and that he had briefly begun to slur some of his words.
Phrases like “Seacrest eye” and “Seacrest stroke” were trending on Twitter, so enough people were worried enough that it became a thing on social media.
@AlexisMelton3 said: “I’d also like to point out Ryan Seacrests sudden change in speech, posture, and his eyes towards the end of the show… is he okay? Almost questioning a possible stroke or drunk? Could he have messed up the results? What is going on!!! #americanidol #ryanseacrest.”
And he didn’t show up to “Live With Kelly and Ryan” on Monday morning, so rumors continued to churn.
Ryan Seacrest did not suffer “any kind of stroke” during Sunday’s season finale of “American Idol,” a rep said.
Fans shared concern, questioning whether he was slurring words or experiencing an issue with one of his eyes.https://t.co/r5nHqyau0N
— SNYDE (celebrity • entertainment news) (@snydenydn) May 18, 2020
People writes that Seacrest’s “words seemed slightly slurred and his right eye appeared larger than his left.”
Slurred speech can be a sign of a stroke, but it could also be a sign that he’s maybe rushing through some of his words for whatever reason. It sounds like this was just a blip, but it’s nice to see that Seacrest’s fans are concerned for his well-being.
What the hell is wrong with @RyanSeacrest ‘s eyes? Has it always been like this and i’m just noticing now..? 🤨#AmericanIdol pic.twitter.com/KKVHatvmzr
— ♡ (@BBclips) May 18, 2020
People definitely noticed the change in his eye.
@ninasjostrom wrote: Is anyone else concerned with
@RyanSeacrest and his eyes right now or is it just me? #AmericanIdol”
@Iaurelizabeth tweeted: “Everyone was saying @RyanSeacrest‘s right eye was shutting. But no, his left eye was bulging. His eyes are normally very squinty. But by the end of the show, his left eye was much larger. But fr is Ryan Seacrest okay? Anyone know? Lol.”
Maybe he has conjunctivitis? Who knows?
https://twitter.com/Iaurelizabeth/status/1262377557497982978
“Ryan did not have any kind of stroke last night,” the rep told People
According to the rep, it sounds more like Seacrest is just overworked and needs a break.
“Like many people right now, Ryan is adjusting to the new normal and finding work-home balance, with the added stress of having to put on live shows from home.”
The rep continued that Seacrest took Monday off to recuperate after working so many different shows from home.
“Between ‘Live with Kelly and Ryan,’ ‘American Idol,’ ‘On Air with Ryan Seacrest,’ and the Disney Family Singalong specials, he has been juggling three-four on-air jobs over the last few weeks and he’s in need of rest. So today he took a well-deserved day off.”
It’s true that he is doing a lot these days, just like everyone else, and it seems like a pretty plausible explanation. Given the stress the world is under, it’s no wonder Seacrest might get a few words wrong here and there. He’s not a robot.
But rest assured that Ryan Seacrest is okay; he may have just had an off night.
98% sure ryan seacrest had a stroke on live TV last night. he’s not on live with kelly this morning, either, which is…concerning pic.twitter.com/3j9R2bMbfm
— kim windyka (@kimlw) May 18, 2020
