JoJo Siwa Hospitalized for Severe Pain Before Major Performance

JoJo Siwa experienced a sudden health scare on November 28, 2023, when she was hospitalized due to severe pain caused by a burst ovarian cyst. The incident occurred just hours before she was scheduled to perform at the Mall of America in Bloomington, Minnesota.

In a TikTok update, the 22-year-old entertainer shared details of her ordeal. “Every time that I’ve been dancing or even just walking, my stomach would really hurt,” Siwa explained. Initially dismissing the discomfort as menstrual cramps, she soon realized the situation was more serious when the pain intensified.

Desperate for relief, Siwa attempted to rest in her hotel room before the performance, but her condition worsened. She recalled trying to relax in her hotel bathtub, which only exacerbated her discomfort. “I was in for maybe four minutes, and all of a sudden I was like, ‘I have to get out immediately,’” she stated, noting that she felt faint and nauseous.

Recognizing the severity of her symptoms, Siwa informed her mother, Jessalynn Siwa, and they decided to seek medical attention. Emergency responders initially found her vitals stable, but further examination at a local hospital revealed the cause of her pain: a burst cyst that was bleeding into her abdomen. “That’s what was causing the excruciating pain,” Siwa told her followers. “It’s brutal pain. Long story short, it should resolve itself.”

Despite the alarming circumstances, Siwa was discharged within two hours, allowing her to perform her new single, “Message to the World,” at the Mall of America. “We’re gonna keep it pushing,” she said, expressing her determination to perform despite concerns about her condition. “If I vomit or if I have that excruciating pain burst again, I’ve got to go immediately back in, but we should be OK.”

Siwa reassured her fans that she was recovering but admitted she did not yet feel “100 percent.” She also planned to have the cyst re-evaluated the following week.

This health episode comes shortly after a notable relationship milestone for Siwa and her boyfriend, Chris Hughes, a star from Love Island U.K. The couple made a public appearance together at the Dancers Against Cancer’s 2025 Gala of the Stars at the Beverly Hilton in California on October 21. Hughes, 32, surprised Siwa by presenting her with the Humanitarian Award in recognition of her charitable efforts. “The Humanitarian Award’s incredible,” Hughes said at the gala. “It was very special to present it to her.”

Siwa and Hughes transitioned from friendship to a romantic relationship earlier this year while participating in Celebrity Big Brother U.K. They went public with their romance in June, with Siwa expressing her deep feelings for Hughes in an interview with The Guardian.

As Siwa navigates her health challenges, fans remain supportive, celebrating her resilience and dedication to her craft.